US sends first batch of drones to Indo-Pacific Command under Replicator Initiative

Asia-Pacific, News, US May 25, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

The United States Department of Defense announced that the first batch of “Replicator” drones has been delivered to the Indo-Pacific Command. Deliveries began in early May, initiating the first phase of a multi-year strategy to deploy thousands of expendable drones to counter adversaries such as China.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, who leads the Replicator Initiative, announced in a statement that the Pentagon has hastened the procurement process and deployment of drones in the Indo-Pacific region.

“This shows that warfighter-centric innovation is not only possible; it’s producing real results. Even as we deliver systems, our end-to-end capability development process continues.” Hicks said.

While details regarding the newly deployed systems remain elusive, press reports suggest that the initial Replicator drones closely resemble those already utilized by the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM).

Earlier this year, some analysts had reported that the initial batch of the Replicator Initiative will consist of AeroVironment’s Switchblade 600, a loitering munition.

*^{AeroVironment Kamikaze Drone. Photo illustration: IRIA. (Image Credit: AeroVironment)}*

Replicator Initiative

The primary goal of the Replicator Initiative is to increase the U.S. military’s presence and readiness in the Indo-Pacific region by deploying a large number of low-cost, expendable drones. The Pentagon aims to offset the numerical and geographical advantages of potential adversaries like China. These drones are intended to perform a range of tasks, including surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and direct attack missions.

While the Pentagon has been deliberately vague about the specific systems included in the Replicator project to maintain strategic ambiguity, certain details have emerged through press reports and defense analysts. The drones deployed under this program are expected to include a mix of aerial, maritime, and possibly even ground-based systems.

Aerial Drones: These are likely to include variants similar to the MQ-9 Reaper and RQ-21 Blackjack, known for their endurance and surveillance capabilities. The MQ-9 Reaper, for instance, is capable of high-altitude long-endurance missions, providing persistent overwatch and precision strike capabilities. These drones are equipped with advanced sensors and communication systems that allow them to gather intelligence and conduct surveillance over vast areas.

Maritime Drones: Unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and underwater drones (UUVs) will play a crucial role in monitoring and securing maritime regions. These drones can perform tasks such as anti-submarine warfare, mine detection, and maritime patrol. The Sea Hunter, an autonomous surface vessel designed for anti-submarine warfare, is a likely candidate for this category. It can operate independently for extended periods, providing a persistent presence in contested waters.

*^{A U.S. soldier launching a switchblade drone. (Image Credit: U.S. Marine Corps)}*

Swarming Drones: The Replicator project is also expected to incorporate drone swarms, which involve large numbers of small, expendable drones working together to overwhelm enemy defenses. These swarms can be used for various purposes, including saturating air defenses, conducting coordinated attacks, and providing reconnaissance. The Perdix micro-drone, capable of autonomous flight in coordinated swarms, is an example of technology that could be utilized in this capacity.