Two years ago, the Department of Defense launched the first phase of the Replicator initiative, known as Replicator-1, with an ambitious goal: to rapidly field attritable, autonomous systems across multiple domains by August 2025. The aim was to deliver these capabilities to warfighters at speed and scale, while also driving broader improvements to the defense acquisition process. Now that we’ve reached the target date, did Replicator-1 meet its objectives?
As the initiative evolves, new questions emerge: What has been fielded so far in terms of offensive and defensive drones across maritime, land, and air domains? How are lessons from Replicator-1 informing Replicator-2, which focuses on counter-drone capabilities? What battlefield insights from Ukraine apply to U.S. operational needs—and which do not? And more broadly, how will drone warfare shape the future of conflict?
On August 21, join Brookings for an analytical discussion on the Replicator initiative and the evolving role of robotics in modern warfare. Online viewers can submit questions via e-mail to [email protected].