INDOPACOM Wants to Acquire Hypersonic Weapons, AI Capabilities

George Kailiwai III, director of requirements and resources J8 at the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, said the combatant command is prioritizing its acquisition of hypersonic weapons among other capabilities to counter peer competitors. Speaking at the Pacific Operational Science and Technology conference in Hawaii, Kailiwai argued that the U.S. and Australia are keen on purchasing hypersonic missiles because of their speed and survivability.

The official added that INDOPACOM wants to acquire artificial intelligence and machine learning for their ability to facilitate faster decision-making, National Defense Magazine reported Wednesday.

He said AI/ML could also enable highly sought capabilities like autonomous and unmanned platforms.

INDOPACOM also seeks to purchase directed energy weapons such as lasers and high-powered microwaves.