The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is embarking on a groundbreaking $1-billion initiative called “Drone Dominance,” with an ambitious goal of acquiring approximately 300,000 drones over the next two years. This move follows Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s directive to radically transform the Pentagon’s approach to drone technology acquisition and deployment. The initiative aims to redefine how the military leverages drone technology, reflecting a commitment to modernization and increased efficiency.
One of the most significant shifts brought about by this initiative is the effort to reform the cumbersome acquisition process that has often plagued Pentagon operations. Traditionally characterized by slow decision-making and bureaucracy, the new strategy aims to establish a predictable demand for drones, thereby stimulating sizable industrial production. By generating reliable, high-volume orders, the DoD hopes to not only enhance the domestic drone manufacturing landscape but also streamline the deployment of these critical systems in military operations.
In particular, “Drone Dominance” seeks to tackle regulatory hurdles that hinder small unmanned systems, granting unit commanders greater authority in decision-making. This empowerment is designed to enable rapid responses in dynamic combat scenarios, emphasizing the pressing need for adaptive and agile military capabilities. Hegseth emphasized this necessity, highlighting that the ability of commanders to utilize drones effectively can significantly enhance operational success in the field.
The initiative is funded by what Hegseth refers to as President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” which signifies a comprehensive approach to modernizing military capabilities. Hegseth envisions that the program represents a cornerstone of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening the U.S. drone industrial base. This involves flexible contracting with commercial entities and engaging innovative engineers and entrepreneurs to push the boundaries of drone technology.
Under the “Drone Dominance” program, the rollout will occur in four distinct six-month phases, known as “gauntlets.” Kicking off in February 2026, the first phase will involve a Pentagon order for 30,000 one-way attack drones, with expected deliveries by July 2026. From an initial pool of 25 vendors, the Pentagon plans to select 12 to produce these systems, with each drone costing about $5,000, totaling an investment of $150 million for the first phase alone.
As the initiative unfolds, the number of participating vendors is expected to decrease while the scale of procurement will increase. Ultimately, the plan is to escalate from 30,000 to potentially 150,000 drones. This scaling strategy aims to drive down costs significantly, with projections indicating a reduction in the unit price from $5,000 to approximately $2,300. Such an economic model could enhance the affordability of these crucial systems for the U.S. military.
Though specific types of drones have not been detailed in the request for information, the anticipated price point suggests a focus on first-person-view drones and small quadcopters. These craft have proven invaluable during recent conflicts, notably in Ukraine, where their mass production has been instrumental in modern warfare. The success of Ukraine in ramping up drone production can be attributed to transformative reforms that reshaped its defense sector from a Soviet-style model to a commercially-driven entity focused on unmanned technologies.
The expected growth in U.S. drone manufacturing under the “Drone Dominance” initiative stands to strengthen supply chains, ensuring that the military can procure necessary drones at sustainable prices. Hegseth has voiced strong sentiments concerning the urgency of military modernization, remarking, “We can’t do that by doing business the same way we have in the past.” His comments underscore a pivotal shift away from using costly arsenal, emphasizing the necessity of acquiring functional drones capable of fulfilling immediate military needs efficiently.
As the “Drone Dominance” initiative sets into motion, it underscores a proactive response to the evolving landscape of modern warfare. The integration of drones into military capability not only reflects a strategic pivot but also showcases an innovative approach to procurement, fostering a collaborative environment with commercial partners and contributing to the U.S.’s competitive edge in defense technology. The endeavor symbolizes a commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technology for national defense, ultimately positioning the United States at the forefront of unmanned aerial systems.