The Army’s commitment to advancing drone technology reflects a strategic shift, embracing lessons learned from recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll made this clear during his address at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) annual conference. He noted, “We’re doing essentially a call to arms where we are ingesting the lessons being learned in Ukraine.” This indicates a proactive stance toward modern warfare, emphasizing that each infantryman could carry a drone into battle. The success of drones in Ukraine, which reportedly neutralized nearly $10 billion worth of Russian equipment for an investment of just $100,000, underscores the potential impact of these small military assets.
Driscoll emphasized that elite units like the Ranger Regiment and Delta Force are already integrating drones into their mission planning. “They envision drones being a core part of every action they do,” he stated. This signals that the Army is not just catching up but actively evolving its operational tactics to stay ahead in modern combat scenarios. The AUSA event also highlighted how critical such advancements are, given the logistical challenges that almost prevented the conference from occurring.
Moreover, Driscoll pointed out the dual focus on offensive and defensive capabilities involving drones, stating, “You can’t really defend against one without being an expert in the other.” As drone warfare becomes more prevalent, so too does the necessity for counter-drone technologies. This creates a cycle where training in both offensive and defensive drone operations becomes essential for future soldiers.
The Army’s technical aspirations go beyond drones. Driscoll introduced the concept of creating mini “Iron Domes” to safeguard key assets from aerial threats. He described a network of sensors and interceptors designed to build these defensive capabilities, demonstrating the Army’s forward-thinking approach to battlefield challenges.
In tandem with drone initiatives, the Army is pushing toward energy independence through the Janus Program, which aims to deploy small nuclear microreactors at bases across the United States. This development is driven by the need for power resilience, reducing reliance on vulnerable supply chains. Driscoll’s remarks on the benefits of these reactors highlight their potential for efficiency. “These reactors will be commercially built and operated,” he explained, emphasizing the goal of round-the-clock power for critical installations.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright reinforced this vision by drawing parallels to the Navy’s nuclear propulsion systems, stating, “These engines are installed, they run the life of the submarine without refueling.” This analogy speaks to the transformative potential of similar technologies for the Army. However, the program faces significant challenges, particularly regarding uranium enrichment.
Wright pointed out that high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), essential for powering these reactors, is not currently being produced domestically. He indicated that revitalizing the American uranium supply chain is a priority. “We built 100 reactors quickly, providing 20 percent of U.S. electricity — and then it stagnated for decades,” he remarked, expressing disappointment over nuclear’s declining contribution to global energy output.
Despite potential hurdles, Driscoll highlighted that safety and security remain critical concerns as new technologies are adopted. “From a cyber perspective, no one is going to allow a nuclear reactor that is remotely operated,” he assessed, pointing to the controls that will be in place to mitigate risks.
Overall, the Army’s initiatives in drone development and energy self-sufficiency illustrate a modern military adapting to resolve contemporary challenges. The integration of advanced technologies showcases a proactive approach aimed at maintaining national security while ensuring the sustainability of Army operations.
"*" indicates required fields
