Pentagon Technology Office Names New Acting Director as Predecessor Takes Autonomous Warfare Role

Travis Metz, the second-in-command at the Defense Innovation Unit, has been named acting director following Owen West's departure to lead the newly created Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Unmanned Systems office. West was appointed to establish Project Agincourt, part of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's initiative to create a functional command for autonomous warfare operations. Metz previously served as chief operations officer of DIU and program manager for the Pentagon's $1.1 billion Drone Dominance Program.

The Defense Innovation Unit, which handles commercial technology procurement for the Pentagon, is undergoing a leadership transition as part of a broader reorganization of unmanned systems operations. Owen West's move to lead the newly established Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Unmanned Systems reflects Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's strategic focus on autonomous warfare capabilities. This reorganization includes the creation of a dedicated command structure for autonomous operations, signaling increased institutional emphasis on unmanned and autonomous technologies within the military establishment.

Travis Metz brings relevant operational experience to the acting director role, having previously managed the Pentagon's major Drone Dominance initiative—a $1.1 billion program. His background as chief operations officer positions him to manage the administrative and contracting functions of the commercial technology office during this transition period, while the department simultaneously develops its autonomous warfare command structure.