SOUTHCOM Leader Seeks Custom Unmanned River Systems for Counter‑Narcotics Operations

WASHINGTON — The head of U.S. Southern Command is seeking custom unmanned and autonomous maritime systems to support counter‑drug operations, he disclosed in an exclusive interview with Breaking Defense.

General Francis Donovan, who assumed command of SOUTHCOM in February, emphasized that he is looking for a “distinct river‑reconnaissance capability that blends unmanned surface, aerial and subsurface autonomous platforms in a customizable configuration.”

The concept envisions autonomous vessels patrolling South and Central American rivers to conduct reconnaissance and gather intelligence.

“We aim to learn how criminal networks exploit rivers to move narcotics and conceal assembly sites within the foliage,” the general noted during an Oct. 13 interview. “Essentially, we need systems specifically designed for our operating environment.”

His remarks came months after SOUTHCOM established its Autonomous Warfare Command (SAWC), a unit formally tasked with deploying autonomous, semi‑autonomous and unmanned platforms across all domains to counter threats and link tactical actions to broader strategic outcomes.

Donovan portrayed SAWC as a hub where SOUTHCOM, partner nations, and other U.S. services can train and test unmanned technologies, leveraging a Guantanamo Bay‑based facility. Federal agencies and industry are encouraged to showcase their latest solutions there.

“We are eager to collaborate with any entity to evaluate platforms within our Area of Responsibility,” he stated. “The door is wide open for cooperation.”

However, he stressed that testing and training are merely stepping stones; the ultimate aim is operational deployment.

“We will both test and employ these systems near hemispheric threats,” he asserted. “Autonomous capabilities will be used to confront adversaries directly—they are no longer limited to trial phases.”

For example, he noted that Saronic‑built Corsair USVs have been positioned at Guantanamo and are now also operating on both flanks of the Panama Canal.

There, the unmanned vessels are “supporting local forces in counter‑narcotics and anti‑terrorist operations while bolstering the Canal’s physical security,” he explained.

SOUTHCOM’s Autonomous Warfare Command was created months before Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth unveiled plans for a new four‑star Autonomous Warfare Command (AUTOWARCOM) in September. A SOUTHCOM spokesperson later confirmed to Breaking Defense that SAWC is “working closely” with the Pentagon to integrate autonomous platforms and artificial intelligence.

The spokesperson added that SAWC is growing and has “drawn personnel” from a variety of services, such as USAF Pararescue, Navy SEALs and Riverine Surface Warfare officers, Army Green Berets, USMC Ground Intelligence and Information Warfare specialists, and Maritime ISR officers, among others.

SOUTHCOM In The Spotlight

Although countering narco‑terrorism has long been a priority for U.S. Southern Command, the Trump administration has intensified its focus. SOUTHCOM now leads Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere—replacing Operation Southern Spear—which seeks to halt drug flow from South America to the United States through lethal strikes and coordinated ground operations.

Still, Donovan noted that, like all commands, he must compete for joint resources, making unmanned platforms especially appealing.

For instance, he explained that SOUTHCOM does not always require a destroyer to remain at sea for extended periods; a low‑cost unmanned platform can handle certain tasks, allowing the destroyer to be deployed for a precise mission and thus lessen strain on joint forces.

SOUTHCOM is also utilizing aerial unmanned systems such as MQ‑9 drones. While Donovan declined to comment on reports of aircraft transfers from U.S. Africa Command, he emphasized the critical value of the intelligence these platforms provide.

“The key challenge is data,” Donovan observed, noting that U.S. partners across the Americas also require enhanced domain awareness across sea, land and air. Such information can enable U.S. assets to conduct interdictions and military operations more effectively.

In summary, Donovan stated that SAWC’s ultimate objective is to expedite autonomous warfare throughout the command’s Area of Responsibility, enabling mission execution and partner support, particularly in domain‑awareness capabilities.

Source link