Pentagon creates DRPM-UxS office to centralize unmanned and autonomous systems programs

A June 29 Pentagon memo made public July 2 establishes the Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Unmanned Systems (DRPM-UxS) to consolidate most drone and autonomous systems programs under a new office reporting to the Deputy Secretary of Defense. The office will oversee development, acquisition, fielding, sustainment, and congressional engagement for many unmanned systems and related AI/swarming software, while major acquisition programs remain with the services.