Ukrainians may have noted similarities between their efforts and the Pentagon’s Replicator drone program. The Pentagon plans to spend half a billion dollars on Replicator this fiscal year. The initiative will accelerate fielding of the Switchblade-600 loitering munition, which has already demonstrated utility in Ukraine.
AeroVironment, based in Simi Valley, California, has supplied thousands of drones to Ukraine. Early Switchblade-600 systems faced challenges from Russian jamming, but software updates and better training have improved performance. Replicator’s focus on loitering munitions and counter-drone systems mirrors Ukraine’s efforts.
The Replicator initiative has received over 100 tech-firm pitches and is on track to award several contracts for seagoing drones. The initiative aims to rapidly field solutions to joint operational gaps within 18-24 months. The first tranche of the Replicator initiative is focused on fielding all-domain attritable autonomous systems to deter potential foes like China.
Demands for the initiative include classified capabilities in the maritime domain and counter-uncrewed aerial systems. The Replicator project aligns senior leaders around a common vision to identify key operational gaps and field solutions. This initiative differs from the A2AD strategy, which specifically refers to deterring potential foes like China.
