The US Department of Defense is accelerating its drone program to outpace Russia and China in unmanned warfare. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued new orders allowing commanders to procure and test drones independently, bypassing traditional approval bottlenecks. This move aims to fast-track drone production and deployment across all service branches, with a focus on small, low-cost drones that can be rapidly replaced and categorized as consumables.
Streamlining Procurement and Training
The new orders redefine small drones as consumables, removing them from legacy tracking systems and simplifying acquisition. Commanders will work with the FAA to remove range restrictions, fast-track spectrum approval, and establish UAS training areas with live fire and swarm testing. Three new UAS national test sites will be established within 90 days, and training ranges will be expanded to integrate drone combat simulations into all relevant training.
Ambitious Goals and Expectations
Hegseth expects the US to establish domain dominance in small UAS by the end of 2027, with drone capabilities integrated into all combat training, including force-on-force drone wars. The Pentagon will build a dynamic, AI-searchable platform cataloging approved drone components, vendors, and performance ratings. Advance purchase commitments, direct loans, and other capital incentives will be pursued to jump-start the drone industry, prioritizing US companies
