US Navy Creates New Center to Speed Up Unmanned Systems Integration
The U.S. Navy has established the Robotic and Autonomous Systems Warfighting Development Center (RASWDC) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, operating under U.S. Fleet Forces Command. This new center will serve as the Navy's primary point for the operational integration of robotic and autonomous capabilities. RASWDC aims to accelerate the development, testing, and fielding of unmanned systems across air, surface, and subsurface domains by creating a direct feedback loop between acquisition and operational forces. Rear Admiral Melvin Smith has been appointed as the inaugural Commander.
Why it matters
The center aims to rapidly integrate robotic and autonomous systems into naval operations, training, and deployment to maintain a maritime advantage.
Source: Naval News — read the original
Source published 25 Sept 2026, 18:28 UTC