Hegseth issues rallying cry for army transformation
The size US Army’s fleet of Humvees and any future procurement is being questioned. (Photo: US Army)
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has outlined an ambitious plan to reform, reshape and redirect the US Army in an overhaul which would see a reduction in formations and less manned attack helicopters.
The US Army must transform and rapidly bring in new technologies and capabilities such as artificial intelligence (AI), missile defence, uncrewed systems, improved long-range fires while renewing focus on the Indo-Pacific region while walking away from the procurement of obsolete equipment.
The future direction of the force was outlined by US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, on 30 April in a memorandum entitled Army Transformation and Acquisition Reform as part of an effort to build a “leaner and more lethal force”.
This change, Hegseth said, would be achieved through “divesting outdated, redundant and inefficient programmes, as well as restructuring headquarters
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![SAHA 2026: MKE sets its sights on the Turkish Army’s self-propelled guns]()
SAHA 2026: MKE sets its sights on the Turkish Army’s self-propelled guns
With multiple artillery platforms on display at SAHA 2026, Turkey’s defence contractors are positioning to replace the country’s older imported platforms.
-
![Saab unveils new round to defeat explosive reactive armour]()
Saab unveils new round to defeat explosive reactive armour
The HEAT 758 has a tandem warhead consisting of an initial charge which neutralises the explosive reactive armour and the main charge which penetrates the primary armour. It is fired from a standard Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon launcher and has been ordered by an undisclosed customer.
-
![Malaysian Army vehicle renewal slowed by politics, scandal and economic strain]()
Malaysian Army vehicle renewal slowed by politics, scandal and economic strain
Despite political and economic headwinds, companies are positioning themselves for current and upcoming Malaysian Army requirements. Shephard spoke with some of them at DSA 2026.
