The US Navy said on 24 September that it had established the Robotic and Autonomous Systems Warfighting Development Center at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia. The new centre sits under US Fleet Forces Command and is intended to connect experimentation with fleet training and operational use across air, surface and undersea systems.
The Navy says the centre will develop tactics, training and operational testing in representative environments. Rear Adm. Melvin Smith is leading a phased implementation plan. The Navy distinguishes this operational role from its separate portfolio manager for acquisition, requirements, budgeting and technical standards.
Organisational milestone
The establishment is a confirmed organisational change. It does not mean the centre has reached full operational capability, nor does it establish procurement or fielding of any particular drone. The Navy says its structure and resources will develop in phases.
The centre could give the fleet a clearer route to assess and teach use of autonomous systems, but results from that process will need separate reporting.
Publication history
- — Added the Navy's new fleet-facing autonomous systems organisation.
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- US Navy via DVIDS: RASWDC establishment, 24 September 2026 (opens in a new tab)Service announcement
