“Gloves are off” as US Defense Secretary memo calls for sweeping drone procurement reform
A Switchblade 300 being fired during joint mobility exercises. (Photo: US Navy)
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has promised to usher in a new era of “military drone dominance”.
Pete Hegseth, the US Secretary of Defence, has published a new memorandum for senior Pentagon leaders, force commanders and directors of defence industry pushing for unleashing “drone dominance”.
In the memo, Hegseth stated that he would rescind “restrictive policies” that “hindered production and limited access” to drone technologies. He outlined a threefold mission for the relevant authorities to procure and operate drones: bolstering US drone manufacturing, arming the US armed forces with ‘low-cost’ drones, and integrating it into combat training.
To address the “urgent need for drones”, Hegseth has said that funding and investment methods to acquire this equipment were being
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Lockheed plans further solid rocket motor investment in Europe and Middle East]()
Lockheed plans further solid rocket motor investment in Europe and Middle East
The company has worked to heavily invest in its solid rocket motor production capabilities, both in the US and internationally, to build a strong supply chain to meet growing demand.
-
![Boeing to build Apache AH-64E attack helicopters for Poland, Egypt and Kuwait]()
Boeing to build Apache AH-64E attack helicopters for Poland, Egypt and Kuwait
The $4.7 billion international order for the three countries will see production conclude around May 2032.
-
![How the US Air Force plans to use data analytics to enhance the roles of airmen and assets]()
How the US Air Force plans to use data analytics to enhance the roles of airmen and assets
The USAF has allocated nearly US$500 million to further the deployment of this type of technology in FY2026. It envisions using analytics to enhance sensors, weapons, missiles and human performance.
-
![F-35B delivery date slips to 2026, UK MoD confirms]()
F-35B delivery date slips to 2026, UK MoD confirms
The UK was originally set to receive all remaining aircraft by the end of 2025, although the MoD had previously forecast that deliveries could be delayed until April 2026.
