Army’s Bold Plan: 1 Million Drones to be Deployed in Next 2-3 Years

The U.S. Army has announced plans to expand collaborations with the private sector and enhance its own production capabilities in order to deploy over a million drones in the next two to three years, according to a statement from an Army spokesperson to Military Times.

U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll initially discussed the Army’s ambitions to accelerate drone manufacturing with Reuters during his visit to Picatinny Arsenal on Friday. Further details were later provided by an Army spokesperson to Military Times.

Secretary Driscoll highlighted the Army’s latest initiative, SkyFoundry, during his talks. This pilot program aims to establish joint ventures with the private sector while simultaneously initiating internal Army production to swiftly supply drones for combat operations.

“SkyFoundry represents a strategic public-private partnership model designed to rejuvenate the American industrial framework,” an Army spokesperson explained to Military Times. “This initiative will energize the domestic drone market, bolster American manufacturing, enhance the availability of rare earth materials, facilitate the production of affordable components, and ensure the timely delivery of drones to meet the Army’s immediate operational needs.”

“The benefits are manifold: a stronger American industry, enhanced national security, and an Army equipped to produce and acquire millions of drones within the upcoming few years,” the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson emphasized that the Army’s intent is not to surpass the private sector but rather to extend drone technology access to military personnel, acknowledging the significant role drones are expected to play in future military engagements.

“Some drones will be treated as expendable, similar to munitions, while others will be more durable, though not designed to last indefinitely,” the spokesperson noted. “It will be crucial for all personnel to be proficient in drone operations and anti-drone tactics.”

The SkyFoundry Act was introduced by Congressman Pat Harrigan, R-NC., on September 4, just before the onset of the government shutdown.

“Currently, over 80% of modern warfare casualties result from drones, and yet our production capabilities are severely lacking. This oversight is dangerous and leaves our forces vulnerable,” Harrigan remarked. “This legislation will enable the design, testing, and manufacturing of a million drones annually within the United States. It eliminates reliance on Chinese supply chains, equips our military with necessary resources to prevail, and ensures our adversaries never outpace us in developing the critical armaments of warfare.”