Recently, the future of armed conflicts was redefined by a significant statement from the U.S. Department of Defense. Kathleen Hicks, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, announced that in the coming years, the USA plans to deploy thousands of autonomous weapon systems. This announcement indicates that the warfare of the future will no longer be the exclusive domain of humans. Machines, precisely programmed and equipped with state-of-the-art technology, are becoming an integral part of new combat tactics.

The latest initiative, known as "Replicator," represents a direct response to the growing power of China on the international stage. The goal, however, is not only the mass deployment of these robots but also the establishment of a strong collaboration with the private sector, particularly with technology and defense companies. The application of the latest technological advancements aims to secure an advantage in potential conflicts.

Dr. Peter W. Singer, a prominent expert in military robotics, observed that such deployment marks a true breakthrough. We are on the brink of a new era in which machines, not humans, will play a crucial role in combat. This evolution of military technology, leveraging technological progress, has become a pivotal factor in the U.S. defense strategy.

The last decade witnessed an incredible development of military robot technology. Professor Mary Cummings from Duke University emphasized that the "Replicator" Program represents a true revolution in this field, enabling the implementation of autonomous technology on an unprecedented scale.

While Russia is considered a "threat," it is China that presents the greatest "challenge" to the USA. China's population power combined with their continuous technological advancement makes the application of autonomous technology crucial in balancing forces on the international stage. General John Hyten stressed that the use of autonomous robots will be the key to maintaining U.S. military superiority.

Furthermore, there are specific "hot spots" of potential conflicts, such as Taiwan, where swarms of robots can play a crucial role in repelling aggression. But that's not all – thanks to the "Replicator" program, the U.S. military will be able to continuously provide soldiers with cutting-edge technologies.

This initiative is not only a response to current threats. It is a vision of the future in which machines will be an integral part of defense strategy, ensuring that the USA remains at the forefront of technological evolution in the defense domain.