The United States Army has announced an ambitious plan to acquire one million drones by 2028, in an effort to reduce the technological gap with other countries in the use of unmanned aerial systems.
According to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, the goal is to create a robust supply chain and promote an industrial base capable of producing drones on a large scale, both for surveillance and offensive missions. The decision was strongly influenced by lessons from the war in Ukraine, where the massive use of drones by both sides demonstrated the strategic importance of these systems on the modern battlefield.
Driscoll stated that the Army intends to change its approach to drones, no longer treating them as sophisticated and expensive equipment but rather as “disposable munitions,” easily replaceable. The plan includes everything from small armed models, such as FPV kamikaze drones, to longer-range versions similar to the Iranian Shahed-136.
U.S. Army officials acknowledge that the United States is behind in this field, especially compared to Ukraine, Russia, and China, which produce millions of drones per year.
Despite the enthusiasm, the logistical and financial challenge is enormous. The success of the project will depend on the ability of the American defense industry to adapt to the new demand, as well as on the simplification of procurement processes, something the Pentagon is already trying to accelerate with new policies. The Army also intends to work with smaller companies and commercial manufacturers, seeking innovative and low-cost solutions. If the goal is achieved, the program could represent a profound shift in how the United States employs drones in military operations.
Source: The War Zone | Photo: X @USArmy | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
