The US Navy has established a new command to develop tactics, training, and operational testing for robotic and autonomous systems across air, surface, and undersea operations.
Based at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia, the Robotic and Autonomous Systems Warfighting Development Center (RASWDC) will operate under US Fleet Forces Command.
It will coordinate efforts to incorporate these systems into fleet operations and prepare sailors to use them.
The center’s responsibilities include testing platforms in conditions representative of naval missions, developing operating procedures, and establishing advanced tactical training to support certification and deployment.
Findings from testing, experimentation, and training will be shared with developers and program managers to inform changes to equipment and future development.
Linking Development and Fleet Operations
The new command will work alongside the US Navy’s recently announced Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Robotic and Autonomous Systems, which oversees acquisition, technical standards, requirements implementation, and fielding.
While that office manages capability delivery, RASWDC will focus on how naval forces use them.
The arrangement is intended to give acquisition officials direct feedback on how systems perform in operational settings.
Rear Admiral Melvin Smith will serve as the center’s first commander and lead its phased establishment.
Initial work includes defining the command structure, coordinating responsibilities with other organizations, and identifying resource needs.
RASWDC will coordinate with existing warfare development centers and other navy commands, which will retain their current responsibilities and specialist expertise.
“Our mandate is straightforward: educate our warfighters, equip the fleet with tools that actually survive the environment, and develop the combined tactics to employ them decisively,” stated Smith.
