On September 24, 2026, the U.S. Navy established the Robotic and Autonomous Systems Warfare Development Center (RASWDC) to organize its programs related to autonomous systems. This center will be located at the Little Creek-Fort Story base, situated seven miles east of Naval Station Norfolk, and its primary mission is to operationally integrate robotic and autonomous capabilities within the Navy.
New Structure and Responsibilities of RASWDC
The RASWDC will serve as an operational integration point for the assessment and utilization of new systems acquired by the Direct Reporting Program Manager for Robotic and Autonomous Systems (DRPM RAS). While RASWDC has been introduced as the Navy's main office for unmanned systems, the Navy has clearly stated that its current responsibilities do not include the command of existing autonomous system units.
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The Direct Reporting Program Manager for Robotic and Autonomous Systems, Christopher Miller, who is also responsible for the procurement and development of surface vessels, will act as the procurement officer and set technical standards for autonomous systems. Meanwhile, RASWDC will be responsible for the operational employment of all unmanned systems and will report to the Navy command.
Goal and Mission of the RASWDC
The primary goal of this center is to consolidate the Navy's efforts in aerial, surface, and underwater domains and to train military personnel for the effective use of autonomous systems. Rear Admiral Melon Smith, the first commander of RASWDC, stated: "Our mission is simple: to train military personnel, provide the necessary tools for the Navy, and develop combined tactics for using these tools in combat situations."
Developing the tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary for employing equipment in a combat environment will be another responsibility of this center. RASWDC aims to ensure that military forces not only employ autonomous systems but also master them.
Currently, the procurement personnel of DRPM RAS will remain in Washington, but discussions are ongoing to transfer them to the nearest locations to the fleet.
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