07 Novemner 2025
In a significant strategic shift, the United States Army is committing to acquiring approximately one million drones in the next two or three years.
While there have been several statements by military officials and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth regarding the need to embrace modern drone warfare, today's announcement by Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll is putting a "Purchase Order" on the plan.
However, there are some challenges ...
First, one could argue that standard operating procedure in the U.S. military is to spend tons of money on very expensive drones. It wasn't until drone campaign successes in the Ukraine war pointed strategists across the globe to see the massive battle value of expendable UAVs—even the use of cheap "hobbyist" models converted to aerial fighters.
Secondly, to date, the U.S. Army has been purchasing just 50,000 drones per year—a number that's galactically less than what other armies acquire.
For example, it is assumed that Russia and Ukraine produce four million drones annually.
China appears to manufacture even more than that number.
Finally, China's drones tend to be more technologically advanced and significantly less expensive than current American-made drones.
To beef up America's drone armament, U.S. lawmakers allegedly want to build a million drones each year at a single Texas plant. Driscoll, however, seems to prefer partnering with several commercial drone companies to fill future needs. Driscoll also feels it is critical to invest in offensive and defensive drone capabilities for the future of warfare.
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