# Army Expands Autonomous Systems Demand

At AUSA 2026, the U.S. Army highlighted demand for affordable, scalable autonomous and unmanned systems, counter-UAS capabilities, missile interceptors, and digital networks to integrate them. The Army also highlighted an autonomy-focused command structure. The signal identifies no specific solicitation, award, contract value, or procurement contact, so it represents a market-demand indicator rather than an active bid opportunity.

- Contractors can assess how their open-architecture systems and rapid-production capabilities align with the Army’s stated priorities.
- The demand spans autonomous platforms, counter-UAS, interceptors, and enabling digital networks, pointing to potential opportunities across both hardware and integration capabilities.
- BAE Systems, AeroVironment, Anduril, Forterra, and Lockheed Martin are among the firms associated with systems showcased or referenced; the signal does not identify any as awardees.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence, Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** November 10, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Army (Army)
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
- Autonomous Warfare Command (AUTOWARCOM)
- Futures and Autonomous Systems Command (FASCOM)

### Vendors
- BAE Systems (Autonomous AMPV prototype developer)
- AeroVironment (Manufacturer of C-UAS and directed-energy systems showcased at AUSA)
- Anduril (Manufacturer of the Steelfin missile family)
- Forterra (Provider of the AutoDrive autonomy system used on vehicle prototypes)
- Lockheed Martin (Manufacturer of PAC-3 Edge interceptors)

### Key Quotes
> We need to fight on a cost curve that's affordable.
> — Lt. Gen. Frank Lozano, Army Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Fires

> And so investments now are going to matter, and they're going to ripple not just for years, but for decades across our joint force.
> — Pete Hegseth, Defense Secretary

### Sources
- [Autonomy Takes Center Stage at AUSA 2026 - Defense One](https://www.defenseone.com/sponsors/2026/11/autonomy-takes-center-stage-ausa-2026/417154) - Defense One