DOW launches ‘agent network’ to overhaul AI-enabled battle management and targeting

The Department of War has launched Agent Network, the second Pace-Setting Project (PSP 2) and a core element of its new Artificial Intelligence Acceleration Strategy, intended to compress the timeline from intelligence to commander-ready options and to overhaul battle management, decision support, and targeting. The initiative is led by the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office in partnership with U.S. Pacific Command, U.S. Southern Command, and U.S. European Command.

The department says the capability will sharply reduce the time required to identify critical developments and act, shifting traditional targeting from a slow process to a modern approach that enables faster identification and results. AI-enabled agents will continuously scan defense intelligence and operational systems and translate findings into clearly presented options for commanders within seconds. The system does not autonomously select or strike targets, keeping commanders in charge of every decision while providing a current and accurate operational picture.

“Agent Network delivers on the Department’s commitment to field AI capabilities with speed and accountability. By pairing established defense technology leaders with innovative new entrants, we are building an interoperable network of AI agents that gives commanders faster access to better information while keeping human judgment at the center of every targeting decision. This is warfighting AI at operational scale,” said Cameron Stanley, the Department’s Chief Digital and AI Officer.

PSP 2 combines the strengths of established frontier AI companies with innovation from new entrants, aligning with the department’s strategy. It builds on foundational command-and-control innovation by Palantir Technologies that underpins the Maven Smart System program, and on work by Lumbra, led by veteran warfighters and intelligence professionals to implement AI orchestration technology operational on U.S. government systems.

Development and fielding will include rigorous testing, operational evaluation, and oversight to ensure mission performance while upholding U.S. legal and ethical obligations. The project is intended to deliver tangible, combat-credible AI capabilities on aggressive timelines, emphasizing precision, accountability, and reducing collateral risk.

The department describes Agent Network as an example of its accelerated approach to strengthening battlefield execution through seven Pace-Setting Projects under the AI Acceleration Strategy.