Hegseth Unveils ‘Drone Dominance’ Strategy for War Dept

Washington, D.C.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a major shift in American military planning with the launch of a new “Drone Dominance” strategy, aimed at rapidly expanding the use of unmanned systems across the armed forces.

Speaking at the Pentagon, Hegseth said the strategy reflects lessons learned from recent global conflicts, where low-cost drones have played a decisive role in surveillance, targeting, and battlefield strikes. The plan seeks to place small, expendable drones at the center of future U.S. warfighting doctrine.

Under the initiative, the War Department plans to accelerate production of hundreds of thousands of drones, ranging from reconnaissance systems to loitering munitions. Officials say roughly $1 billion has been allocated to support domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.

A key feature of the strategy is a streamlined procurement process designed to bypass lengthy acquisition timelines. Drone manufacturers will compete in rapid evaluation trials, allowing the Pentagon to select and scale systems that meet performance and cost targets within months rather than years.

Military leaders say drones will no longer be treated as niche tools but as essential equipment for frontline units. Training programs across all service branches will be updated to ensure widespread familiarity with unmanned systems, from basic reconnaissance to coordinated battlefield operations.

The strategy also reflects growing concern that U.S. rivals have moved faster in adopting drone warfare. Defense officials warn that failure to adapt could leave American forces vulnerable in future conflicts where speed and numbers matter as much as firepower.

While some analysts have raised concerns about logistics, cybersecurity, and the risks of autonomous weapons, Pentagon officials insist human oversight will remain central to all lethal decisions.

Hegseth said the message behind the plan is clear: the future battlefield will be dominated by drones, and the United States intends to stay ahead.

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