Hegseth Announces Major US Military Overhaul, Including New Drone Command And 20% Cut In Generals

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a sweeping set of changes to the US military on Wednesday, including the creation of a new drone-focused command and plans to reduce the number of generals and admirals by 20%.

Speaking at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia during his “State of the Force” address, Hegseth said the Pentagon would establish a new four-star command to oversee autonomous and robotic warfare capabilities.

He also announced a study on the future of warfare involving SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Anduril Industries co-founder Palmer Luckey.

New Drone Command To Oversee Autonomous Warfare

Hegseth described the creation of the new command as part of what he called “the fastest peacetime shift in modern military history.”

He said the pace of warfare was changing faster than the military’s existing systems could adapt, pointing to lessons from the war in Ukraine and the growing use of drones by Iran.

“Ukraine’s lesson is not that one type of drone wins wars, but rather the need for a purpose-built system that maximizes the ability to adapt,” Hegseth said.

The announcement comes despite a recent decision by the US Army to end the drone-focused mission of an Army unit based in Europe and return it to a traditional infantry role. A bipartisan group of lawmakers has asked the Army to explain the decision amid growing reliance on uncrewed systems on modern battlefields.

20% Cut In Generals And Admirals

Hegseth said he had ordered the military services to double a previously announced 10% reduction in roughly 800 general and flag officer positions.

The reduction is expected to reach 20% by January 1, 2027.

“I call it accountability and long overdue,” Hegseth said.

The plan has drawn criticism from some members of Congress. Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, a former Navy combat pilot, accused Hegseth of removing experienced military leaders.

Republican Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said he wanted to understand the reasoning behind the reductions before assessing the plan.

Musk, Gingrich To Study Future Of Warfare

Hegseth also announced a Pentagon initiative focused on developing weapons and technologies for future conflicts.

The effort will involve Musk, Gingrich and Luckey and will examine technologies and systems that could shape warfare for future generations.

Hegseth said the initiative would focus on “discovering, developing and fielding” weapons and systems needed by future generations, including capabilities for battlefields extending from underground environments to space.

Pentagon Plans New Military Base

Hegseth also announced plans to build a new US military base, marking the first such construction in four decades.

All 50 states will be invited to compete to host the facility, which is expected to accommodate between 15,000 and 20,000 service members.

The Pentagon also plans to make every US military base capable of generating its own power.

Hegseth Highlights Military Policy Changes

The defense secretary again highlighted his efforts to reshape military policy, including eliminating diversity initiatives, reviewing the role of women in ground combat units and introducing screening for testosterone deficiency among male service members.

His latest address comes as the US military faces ongoing demands from conflicts and operations around the world, including the war with Iran, tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and military actions targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels in Latin America.

Hegseth also pointed to increased investment in the US defense industry and efforts to accelerate weapons production. Military experts, however, have said rebuilding depleted stocks of some key weapons systems could take years.