Pentagon's Replicator Initiative Faces Skepticism Amid Push for Rapid Drone Deployment

 The Pentagon's Replicator initiative, aiming to deploy thousands of drones in two years to counter China, has garnered mixed reactions. The initiative, announced by Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks, faces skepticism as details remain vague. While hailed as innovative, doubts persist about Replicator's ability to navigate bureaucratic barriers and deliver tangible results. Industry leaders, investors, and lawmakers express cautious optimism, emphasizing the need for transparency on funding, procurement processes, and the practicality of deploying drones to deter conflicts, particularly around Taiwan. Replicator's success hinges on overcoming funding challenges, engaging nontraditional companies, and defining clear strategies for selecting and deploying drone systems.

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https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2023/12/19/replicator-an-inside-look-at-the-pentagons-ambitious-drone-program/

Israel's Use of Unguided Munitions Raises Concerns Amid Conflict with Hamas

 In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, a significant portion of the air-to-ground munitions used by Israel are reportedly unguided, referred to as "dumb bombs." According to an evaluation by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), approximately 40% to 45% of the 29,000 bombs dropped by the Israeli air force since October 7 were unguided, with the rest being precision-guided.

While Israeli officials have not commented on the specific munitions used, reports suggest the deployment of the US-made M117, a Cold War-era unguided 750-pound air-dropped munition. The use of unguided bombs, especially in densely populated areas like Gaza, raises concerns about potential collateral damage and questions about Israel's commitment to minimizing civilian casualties.

The revelation comes amid a public disagreement between the Israeli leadership and the White House. President Joe Biden criticized Israel's tactics, expressing concern over "indiscriminate bombing" and calling for a change in approach. This divergence in views has strained relations between the two allies, with Israel facing international condemnation at the United Nations, where a ceasefire resolution received overwhelming support.

The extensive use of unguided munitions could intensify controversy, particularly regarding civilian casualties. Critics doubt Israel's claims of minimizing harm to civilians, especially given the reported rates of employing unguided bombs. The situation is reminiscent of Russia's use of unguided bombs in the Ukraine war, where concerns were raised about increased civilian casualties.

In contrast to the US, which predominantly uses precision-guided munitions, the choice of unguided bombs by Israel raises questions about its military strategy, cost considerations, and potential implications for civilian safety in conflict zones.