Southcom creates new Autonomous Warfare Command to build up its drone prowess

Marine Corps Gen. Francis Donovan, leading U.S. Southern Command (Southcom), recently launched the Southcom Autonomous Warfare Command (SAWC) to enhance drone and AI-enabled operations. This new command will refine and deploy aerial, surface, and underwater drones to disrupt maritime drug trafficking and dismantle "narco-terrorist" networks across the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. SAWC emerges as the joint force prioritizes AI-powered autonomous systems and low-cost drones, with the Trump administration having initiated an unusually large military surge to Southcom's AOR last year under Operation Southern Spear. The U.S. military has since conducted deadly strikes in the region, including one this week that reportedly killed three individuals Southcom referred to as male "narco-terrorists." SAWC will work with military services and the Pentagon’s Defense Autonomous Warfare Group (DAWG) to identify expertise and capabilities required for its full integration into Southcom’s missions.