U. S. Army's Drone Plan: A Big Shift in Warfare

The U. S. Army is planning a massive increase in drone production. They want to buy at least one million drones in the next few years. This is a huge jump from the current rate of about 50, 000 drones per year. The Army is learning from the war in Ukraine. Both Ukraine and Russia are using small, cheap drones effectively. These drones are proving to be very useful in modern warfare. China is also a major player in drone production, making millions each year. The Army wants to change how they think about drones. They see them as expendable tools, like ammunition, rather than expensive equipment. This shift in thinking could change how the U. S. prepares for future conflicts. The Pentagon has been working on improving drone programs. They started the Replicator initiative to acquire thousands of autonomous drones by 2025. However, there have been no recent updates on its progress. The Army is also looking to work with different companies. They want to partner with manufacturers who make drones for commercial use, like Amazon deliveries. This could help them get more drones quickly and cheaply. Funding is a big part of this plan. The Army is confident they have enough money for this increase. They are also moving away from older weapons systems to make room for new drone technology. Lawmakers play a big role in funding decisions. They often support weapons programs that benefit their districts. The Army needs their support to make this drone plan a reality. In short, drones are becoming a key part of modern warfare. The U. S. Army is taking big steps to ensure they are ready for any future conflicts.