Unmanned Systems and the Future of War NDIA POLICY POINTS ROBOTICS AND AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS Unmanned Systems and the Future of War 5/28/2021 Army photo In 2005, Vice Adm. Lowell E. Jacoby, then director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, noted in his testimony before the House Armed Services Committee that “lethal unmanned aerodynamic vehicles are expected to pose an increased threat to deployed U.S. and allied forces in various regions.” Jacoby predicted that not only would autonomous systems proliferate among U.S. allies, but also amongst potential competitors and pose a threat to friendly forces in the battlespace. His words were prophetic.