
A lack of U.S. controlled territory in the massive Western Pacific Ocean region means that geography and input from allies and partners are key policy considerations for how the first set of autonomous and attritable systems acquired through the Defense Department’s Replicator Initiative will be employed and operated, the top technology adviser to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) said last week. The command is also having to grapple with DoD policy around the rules of engagement for lethal and non-lethal…