U.S. Army directs creation of Futures and Autonomous Systems Command, sets fiscal 2028 deadline for priority autonomous systems

The US Army directed creation of the Futures and Autonomous Systems Command on October 2, 2026, setting fiscal 2028 as the deadline for acquiring and fielding priority autonomous capabilities. The directive covers autonomous fires, combat vehicles, watercraft resupply, breaching, reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition and teaming between crewed and uncrewed platforms. Autonomy will be integrated across aviation, armor, fires, sustainment, engineer and training formations, with a Portfolio Acquisition Executive assigned responsibility for the effort. The Army will also expand authorizations for 15X Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems Specialists and 390A Robotics Technicians within applicable units.