
AI-generated summary
U.S. Secretary of Defense Hegseth announced the establishment of an Autonomous Combat Command to enhance the U.S. military's large-scale autonomous and robotic combat capabilities. This is part of the U.S. military's modernization reform.
China News Service, Washington, October 1 (Reporter Chen Mengtong) US Secretary of Defense Hegseth announced the establishment of an "Autonomous Combat Command" on September 30 to enhance the US military's large-scale autonomous and robotic combat capabilities.
Hegseth delivered a speech at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia, announcing six major action plans including the establishment of an "autonomous combat command" and the "New Generation of U.S. Military Base" project. The Pentagon stated that these measures mark a new stage in the US military’s warfighter-centered leadership model.
Hegseth said that the US military plans to establish an "autonomous combat command" by October 1, 2027. The scope of this new four-star joint combat command will cover drones, artificial intelligence, and command and control systems.
Regarding the "New Generation U.S. Military Base" project, Hegseth said that the U.S. military plans to build a first-class world-class military deployment platform from "scratch". The base will be completely separated from the commercial power grid and equipped with independent power generation systems, autonomous systems and advanced air defense facilities.
During his speech, Hegseth also announced the launch of a project called Project Meridian. The project aims to "study the full range of future warfare configurations, from deep underground to the frontiers of cislunar space." The project will be co-led by Pentagon Chief Technology Officer Emil Michael, American entrepreneur Elon Musk, technology entrepreneur Palmer Luckey and former Speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich.
On the same day, Hegseth also announced new measures for the US military to coordinate the construction of military bases and infrastructure, and jointly train US military cadets. (over)
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The US military will establish an autonomous combat command by October 1, 2027
Very likely · Within years
Project Meridian will promote research on future war patterns from deep underground to the cislunar space
Likely · Within years

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