# SOUTHCOM Seeks Autonomous River Systems

U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) is seeking tailored autonomous and unmanned systems for river reconnaissance and counter-drug operations, including a proposed mix of surface, aerial, and subsurface platforms. SOUTHCOM’s Autonomous Warfare Command is inviting industry to test and operate systems in its area of responsibility. No solicitation, funding amount, or procurement timeline has been identified, so this is an industry engagement opportunity rather than a formal contract competition at this stage.

- Companies with relevant platforms can pursue testing and operational engagement through SOUTHCOM’s Autonomous Warfare Command; the stated mission need spans multiple unmanned platform types.
- Because no solicitation, budget, or timeline is specified, contractors should not treat the announcement as a funded procurement or assume a near-term award.
- Firms can use SOUTHCOM and Department of Defense acquisition channels to follow the engagement opportunities identified in the announcement and assess whether their systems fit river reconnaissance and counter-drug missions.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** October 26, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)
- SOUTHCOM Autonomous Warfare Command (SAWC)
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)

### Vendors
- Saronic (USV manufacturer)

### Key Quotes
> We are open for business.
> — Francis Donovan, SOUTHCOM Commander

### Sources
- [EXCLUSIVE: SOUTHCOM chief seeks unmanned river solution as he embraces autonomy - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/10/exclusive-southcom-chief-seeks-unmanned-river-solution-as-he-embraces-autonomy) - Breaking Defense