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ProcurementDefenceUSConfirmed

Pentagon names first Replicator systems, including Switchblade 600, with about $500m

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Source: U.S. Indo-Pacific CommandAlso reported by DefenseScoop

Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks announced on 6 May 2024 the first systems picked for faster fielding under Replicator, the programme for all-domain attritable autonomous systems. They include AeroVironment’s Switchblade 600 loitering munition, uncrewed surface vessels sought through a solicitation that drew more than 100 applications, and drone and counter-drone systems, some classified. The department said it had secured about $500 million for fiscal 2024 and requested a similar amount for 2025.

Why it matters

Replicator moved US buying of cheap autonomous drones from pilots to production orders, and opened the door to non-traditional vendors working with the Defense Innovation Unit.

When
6 May 2024
ID
WTA-N-2024-0097
Who
Department of Defense, Defense Innovation Unit, AeroVironment, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command; Kathleen Hicks

Summary by wheresthe.ai, from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and the reporting credited above. Checked against the source on 9 Oct 2026.

Read the original at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command

Source copy: download the page text as saved on 18 Oct 2026 (PDF). Also held by the Internet Archive.

Next stop on this Storyline: What happened nextPentagon plans four-star Autonomous Warfare Command by October 2027

Cite this story

WTA-N-2024-0097: “Pentagon names first Replicator systems, including Switchblade 600, with about $500m.” wheresthe.ai, 6 May 2024. https://wheresthe.ai/d/us-replicator-first-tranche-2024-05/ (source: U.S. Indo-Pacific Command).

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