TAMPA — U.S. Southern Command is planning to establish a SOUTHCOM Autonomous Warfare Command to align joint force requirements with service-led acquisition, Gen. Frank Donovan announced during his tenure as head of the command. The new command aims to bridge what Donovan described as a gap between operational needs and current acquisition processes.

Donovan, currently leading SOUTHCOM, previously served as vice commander of U.S. Special Operations Command for three years and led the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group (DAWG) for a nine-month period. A Marine infantry officer with a background in reconnaissance and special operations, he has focused on integrating autonomous systems across conventional and special operations forces.

Describing the disconnect between joint requirements and service acquisition, Donovan said the two operate like “two Olympic rings that don't touch.” He emphasized that his priority is not specific platforms but the broader adoption of autonomous warfare capabilities. “I don't really care about platforms. I care about autonomous warfare, and are we really willing to take a step forward and embrace autonomous warfare?” he said.

The planned SOUTHCOM Autonomous Warfare Command will center on domain awareness systems tailored for autonomous applications, particularly in the command’s area of responsibility, which includes complex jungle, maritime, and remote environments. Donovan stressed that partner nations need affordable, easy, and fluid access to an operational data environment that enables forces to connect via tools like ATAK or cell phones and immediately leverage robotic systems.

Donovan also criticized vendor-locked systems that limit interoperability to specific service stacks or connection methods, calling such constraints “unacceptable across the board.” While noting that many vendors promoting proprietary solutions are well-meaning retired military personnel, he said their systems often lack sustainability beyond specific exercises. He added that two years ago, vendors largely resisted open architecture, but recent improvements have emerged.