Army doubles down on autonomy, stakes out Indo-Pacific role: AUSA Day 2
Day two of AUSA 2026 brought another change to the Army’s command structure, with acting Army Chief of Staff Gen. Chris LaNeve redesignating Futures and Concepts Command as the Futures and Autonomous Systems Command, or FASCOM. Breaking Defense Editor-in-Chief Aaron Mehta and Land Warfare Reporter Carley Welch discuss what the move signals about the Army’s emphasis on drones and autonomous systems amid a leadership transition.
Then, Aaron and Carley unpack the Army’s message that it remains the “foundation” of the joint force, including in the Indo-Pacific, where the service is emphasizing capabilities such as long-range precision fires. Finally, they look ahead to day three and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s expected appearance.
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The U.S. Army redesigned its Futures and Concepts Command to Futures and Autonomous Systems Command during AUSA 2026, emphasizing its focus on drones and autonomous systems. The Army reaffirmed its foundational role in the joint force, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting capabilities like long-range precision fires. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is anticipated to speak on the third day of the event.
- The Army redesignated Futures and Concepts Command to Futures and Autonomous Systems Command (FASCOM).
- The Army emphasizes the importance of drones and autonomous systems.
- The Army asserts its role as the foundation of the joint force in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Long-range precision fires are highlighted as a key capability.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to appear on day three of AUSA 2026.