The Pentagon is making a significant move with the launch of its $1 billion Drone Dominance Program (DDP), aimed at shifting the landscape of modern warfare. This program represents a stark departure from traditional expensive weaponry, focusing instead on the rapid production of hundreds of thousands of low-cost, attack-ready drones. The goal is set: 200,000 small unmanned aerial systems are expected to hit the field by 2027. The plan intends to boost the military’s capability while drastically reducing costs.
On the operational front, the DDP will kick off with a series of competitive “Gauntlet” challenges where drone manufacturers will test their prototypes under realistic battlefield conditions starting February 2024. This competitive approach departs from old procurement methods, which often led to delays and excessive costs. As it stands, the Defense Department anticipates receiving its first 30,000 drones by July 2026, with the remainder delivered the following year.
In the words of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, “We’re gonna solve this problem: starting with small attack drones.” His assertion highlights the urgency in addressing rising defense costs, emphasizing a more efficient tactic: “No more shooting down cheap drones with $2 million missiles.” This clear shift underscores a responsive strategy to the evolving nature of combat in modern warfare environments.
The DDP seeks to counter adversaries like Russia, Iran, and China, all of whom have been utilizing inexpensive kamikaze drones effectively in their military operations. Reports indicate that China alone produces over 100,000 small drones each month, showcasing a significant production advantage. In conflicts like Ukraine, small explosive drones have been seen to outperform traditional artillery, reshaping conventional warfare tactics.
The program emphasizes a tactical saturation strategy, ensuring that “every warfighter must have access to low-cost, attritable sUAS to conduct one-way attack missions.” This bold ambition aligns with broader military goals to reclaim operational superiority in a rapidly changing battlefield landscape.
The DDP will also streamline procurement by removing upfront funding for vendors, opting instead for a competitive model where contractors must first prove their capabilities. This innovative approach could lower developmental timelines considerably, enabling faster deployment of effective drone systems. By placing the onus of development risk on vendors, the Pentagon incentivizes efficient and innovative production while promising lucrative contracts for those who meet or exceed expectations.
Michael Robbins, President and CEO of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, described the program as utilizing “smart, tangible incentives and a competitive, merit-based Gauntlet process.” This reflects a significant pivot toward fostering an environment where rapid, scalable production leads to a clear advantage over adversaries.
The DDP is, in many ways, a corrective response to previous initiatives that missed the mark in timely delivery of scalable systems. In contrast, the DDP aims to cut development periods from years to mere months. According to Emil Michael, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, many drone prototypes may be developed “in an average of 18 months,” providing a glimpse of what a rapid program could yield.
Additionally, the Pentagon is enhancing collaboration with allies, particularly within the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, to strengthen drone production capabilities and ensure interoperability in future combat scenarios. This expanded cooperation is pivotal for maintaining a unified front amid rising global tensions.
As modern combat showcases, the battlefield is evolving; recent conflicts highlight how quickly adversaries can deploy widespread drone tactics. In one notable instance, Russia reportedly launched 355 drones in succession against Ukraine. Such incidents underline a clear reality: inexpensive drones can inflict considerable damage, transforming the cost-benefit analysis of warfare.
The DDP’s objective is to flood critical airspace with small, agile drones, vastly improving the U.S. forces’ tactical options. A new class of drone, comparing favorably to multibillion-dollar fighter jets, could enable American forces to forgo the hesitancy of risking expensive assets. The emphasis on producing “attritable” drones allows for strategies that embrace loss as a component of warfare, providing a stark countermeasure against high-cost targets.
Complementing the DDP is the establishment of specialized drone training facilities, including a new “Top Gun” drone school at Camp Atterbury in Indiana. This facility will prepare military operators to engage effectively in drone technology and embrace evolving combat tactics. As noted by Alex Lovett, Deputy Assistant Secretary, “What we’re building is not just hardware—it’s doctrine, it’s pilots, it’s deployment frameworks.” This acknowledgment underscores the holistic approach the Pentagon is taking to prepare its forces for the future.
The numbers behind the strategy reflect clear objectives: 30,000 drones by 2026 and a total of 200,000 systems by 2027. With unit costs estimated between $500 and $3,000 per drone, the DDP promises a cost-effective alternative to high-priced traditional military assets.
The Drone Dominance Program could redefine how the U.S. prepares for future conflicts. By prioritizing speed, scale, and private sector innovation, the Pentagon aims to equip its troops with advanced yet affordable tools for modern warfare. As Defense Secretary Hegseth succinctly put it, “Drone dominance won’t be declared—it’ll be built, one mission at a time, with American innovation leading the way.” This bold vision sets the stage for a new era in military readiness and effectiveness.
"*" indicates required fields
