Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, was the site of a significant U.S. Army initiative, where an ambitious plan aimed at fielding autonomous platforms across all divisions by 2026 was tested. In mid-August, the Army conducted a special user demonstration, delivering the first batch of autonomous systems to soldiers for trial runs.

**Launched Effects Project Description**
The demonstration was part of the “Launched Effects” project. This initiative refers to a new class of autonomous systems that can be deployed from the ground or vehicles to perform varied roles, such as targeting, surveillance, and kinetic strikes. These systems are intended to scout high-value targets in difficult terrains, providing intelligence where direct visibility is limited.

**Acquisition Strategy and Pentagon Directives**
The Army intends to deploy short, medium, and long-range Launched Effects systems in the coming years, embodying a more agile strategy that incorporates continuous updates based on soldier feedback rather than lengthy traditional acquisition programs. This move is in line with directives from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who in late April called for every division to be equipped with Launched Effects by the end of the following year. A broader acquisition reform directive issued in June emphasizes achieving “drone dominance” by 2027.

**Key Military Insights and Soldier Feedback**
The user demonstration focused heavily on gathering soldier feedback regarding the new short-range systems, which included vehicles like the RTX Coyote Block 3, Anduril’s Altius 600, and AEVEX Aerospace’s Atlas. Brig. Gen. Cain Baker noted this was the first hands-on training for operators after previous experiments with Launched Effects during various exercises. Throughout the three-week event, soldiers conducted training, live operations, and tactical mission applications, which yielded valuable insights into the systems’ usability and integration into existing operations.

**Impact and Further Development Plans**
The Army plans to leave some systems behind for ongoing training and is finalizing a long-term strategy for the first round of Launched Effects acquisition. In July, it adopted an “urgent capability acquisition pathway” to facilitate rapid deployment and updates based on user feedback and technological advancements. This modern approach aims to strike a balance between utilizing off-the-shelf systems and maintaining operational relevance, allowing for continuous input from soldiers and industry.

**Final Thoughts and Future Directions**
The Army’s commitment to developing a modular architecture for the Launched Effects systems is crucial, enabling various applications across air and ground platforms. As aimed by the Army’s leadership, the overarching goal is to create a versatile and accessible capability that continually evolves to enhance military readiness and effectiveness. The planned timeline for defining this modular architecture is set for the next 18 to 24 months, reflecting the Army’s focus on future operational needs.

**Author Information**
Courtney Albon is a reporter covering space and emerging technology for C4ISRNET. She has reported on military-related topics since 2012, focusing on the Air Force and Space Force and the challenges within Defense Department acquisition and policy.