Pentagon fast-tracks drone production to counter Russia and China

In recent months, the United States has witnessed a significant shift in its approach to unmanned aerial systems (UAS) under the leadership of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This change comes in response to the increasing threats posed by adversaries such as Russia and China, particularly in light of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The Department of Defense (DoD) has recognized that it has fallen behind in deploying UAS effectively and at scale, prompting Hegseth to rescind previous policies he deemed restrictive. The new directives empower military commanders to procure and test drones independently, allowing greater flexibility in innovation and operational readiness. The memos emphasize that small UAS will now be classified as consumables rather than durable assets, streamlining their acquisition process. Commanders at the colonel or captain level can now source drones, including advanced prototypes and commercial systems, without extensive bureaucratic hurdles, provided they align with national security requirements. This new procurement freedom aims to enhance battlefield lethality and operational capabilities, especially against enemies who have already leveraged drone technology effectively during conflicts. With a commitment to reshape military training and capabilities by 2027, the Pentagon plans to integrate UAS into combat training exercises, including aggressive tactics such as drone swarming and combined arms training. Expanded access to airspace for testing and operational use will be coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is crucial for overcoming traditional restrictions that hinder the deployment of UAS technologies. The urgency behind these changes stems from Ukraine's battlefield experiences, wherein drones have played pivotal roles in modern warfare. The swift evolution of drone technology in the conflict has forced the U.S. to adapt and adopt similar strategies to maintain a competitive edge. The Pentagon anticipates that by leveraging new investment methods and data-driven strategies, America will achieve dominance in the UAS domain over the next few years. This unprecedented shift marks a proactive stance against the lessons learned from ongoing significant conflicts and recognizes the revolutionary impact of drones in military tactics.