The U. S. Army plans to purchase at least one million drones in the next two to three years, with the potential to acquire several million annually afterward, according to Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll. He acknowledged the difficulty of this goal, as the Army currently buys only about 50,000 drones each year. Driscoll expressed confidence that the Army can meet this challenge, emphasizing the need to change how drones are perceived—viewing them as expendable tools rather than expensive equipment.
During a visit to Picatinny Arsenal, Driscoll discussed advancements in drone technology, including new defensive systems and learning from the drone usage in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia. Both countries produce around 4 million drones annually, with China likely producing more than that. Driscoll’s priority is to ensure the U. S. can generate enough drones domestically for future conflicts, reducing reliance on China, which currently dominates much of the drone manufacturing market.
To support this plan, he stated that the U. S. expects to develop a strong supply chain that can respond to conflicts rapidly. The Pentagon is also taking steps to boost drone production with the Replicator initiative, aimed at acquiring thousands of drones by August 2025, although updates on this program have been limited. In July, new measures were introduced to streamline drone production policies.
Additionally, U. S. lawmakers have proposed a facility in Texas to build up to a million drones annually. However, Driscoll indicated a preference for diversifying funding sources instead of depending on one production site, aiming to partner with companies that produce drones for various commercial uses. He highlighted the importance of investing in both offensive and defensive drone capabilities for the future of warfare, recognizing the challenges in obtaining funding while balancing local interests in weapons programs.
With information from Reuters
