Yes. On September 30, 2026, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a “State of the Force” address at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, to announce plans for a new four-star command focused on autonomous and robotic capabilities—described as overseeing the rollout of drone and related systems—and to confirm a deeper cut in general and flag officer ranks.
Hegseth said he directed the services to double an earlier 10% reduction so that roughly 800 flag and general officer positions would fall by 20% by January 1, 2027. He called the new command part of what he termed the fastest peacetime shift in modern military history as the U.S. continues a prolonged conflict with Iran in which cheap drones have been a major threat.
Source: NBC News / AP — Hegseth announces a new drone command and cuts to 20% of generals.