Pentagon centralizes oversight across offensive and defensive drone programs

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"The Pentagon has introduced the direct-reporting portfolio manager for unmanned systems (DRPM-UxS), a new position established by War Secretary Pete Hegseth. This role is designed to oversee all Department of War drone and counter-drone programs, consolidating management of unmanned aerial, surface, underwater and ground systems, as well as related autonomy and AI initiatives, under a single leader. The DRPM-UxS will report directly to Deputy War Secretary Stephen Feinberg."

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• War Secretary Pete Hegseth established the DRPM-UxS, a new direct-report position to oversee all Pentagon drone and counter-drone efforts
• The role covers UAS groups 1–3, surface and underwater vessels, ground systems, AI and swarming software, counter-drone, and drone and counter-drone marketplaces
• Senior Pentagon officials will discuss military drone and autonomy efforts at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30 and the 2026 Navy Summit on Aug. 27

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IEEE USA Smartbrief

Pentagon Establishes New Drone Portfolio Manager Role