US Army Announces Massive Drone Acquisition Programme
The United States Army has unveiled ambitious plans to purchase at least one million drones over the next two to three years, marking a dramatic escalation in its unmanned aerial capabilities. This strategic shift comes as military leaders acknowledge crucial lessons learned from the extensive use of drones in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll confirmed the substantial ramp-up during an interview with Reuters, revealing that the military branch could eventually acquire anywhere from half a million to millions of drones annually in subsequent years. This represents a seismic shift from current procurement levels, where the Army purchases approximately 50,000 drones each year.
"It is a big lift. But it is a lift we're very capable of doing," Driscoll stated during a phone call from Picatinny Arsenal, where he observed experimental defence systems including "net rounds" designed to capture hostile drones.
Learning from the Ukraine Battlefield
The decision reflects how Western military strategists are closely analysing the Russia-Ukraine conflict, where drone warfare has reached unprecedented levels. Both nations currently produce around four million drones annually, though Driscoll noted that China's manufacturing capacity likely exceeds double that figure.
In Ukraine, inexpensive commercial drones have evolved into formidable battlefield weapons, particularly valuable in environments where traditional aircraft face significant threats from dense anti-aircraft systems near front lines. The conflict has demonstrated how small, affordable drones can deliver substantial tactical advantages.
Driscoll emphasised that his priority involves establishing robust domestic production capabilities for all drone components, from brushless motors and sensors to batteries and circuit boards. This approach aims to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing, which currently dominates the global commercial drone market.
"We expect to purchase at least a million drones within the next two to three years," Driscoll confirmed. "And we expect that at the end of one or two years from today, we will know that in a moment of conflict, we will be able to activate a supply chain that is robust enough and deep enough."
Transforming Military Procurement Strategy
The Army Secretary articulated a fundamental change in how the military views drone technology – transitioning from treating them as sophisticated equipment to considering them as expendable ammunition. This philosophical shift acknowledges the disposable nature of modern drone warfare observed in Ukraine.
The Pentagon's renewed focus on drone acquisition follows a mixed track record in previous initiatives. The 2023 Replicator programme aimed to field thousands of autonomous drones by August 2025, though its current status remains unclear. More recently, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memorandum rescinding restrictive policies that had hampered drone production.
Rather than concentrating production in a single facility, Driscoll prefers distributing funding across multiple manufacturers. The Army intends to partner with companies producing drones with commercial applications, including those potentially used for Amazon deliveries and other civilian purposes.
Funding for this expansion appears secure, with the Army already redirecting resources from older weapons systems. However, securing congressional approval may prove challenging, as lawmakers often resist cutting programmes that benefit their districts.
"Drones are the future of warfare, and we've got to invest in both the offensive and defence capabilities against them," Driscoll concluded, underscoring the strategic importance of this technological shift.
