Pentagon fast-tracks drone purchases to lead by 2027
Photo: The Pentagon has made an important decision regarding the purchase of drones (Getty Images)
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has authorized American military commanders to independently purchase and test drones, as well as conduct combat simulations using UAVs, Fox News reports.
According to official documents, Hegseth has rescinded outdated regulations that he believes restricted innovation.
For the first time, US commanders with the rank of colonel or captain are now allowed to independently procure and test drones, including 3D-printed prototypes and commercial-off-the-shelf systems that meet national security criteria.
They can also immediately begin training and deploying drones without bureaucratic delays, and test non-lethal autonomous drones in controlled environments. According to media reports, this decision was made in an effort to outpace Russia and China in drone warfare capabilities.
“The Department of Defense is losing its edge... Lethality must not be constrained by self-imposed limits... Our biggest risk is risk aversion,” Hegseth stated in internal memos reviewed by Fox News.
The US Defense Secretary admitted that the Pentagon has so far failed to deploy drones at the necessary scale and speed.
Hegseth also acknowledged that the United States is currently not a global leader in military drone operations. However, he set a goal for the Pentagon to achieve global dominance in this field by 2027.
"Small UAS resemble munitions more than high-end airplanes. They should be cheap, rapidly replaceable, and categorized as consumable," Hegseth added.
The Defense Secretary also emphasized that within 90 days, three new national drone testing ranges will be operational across the US.
In early June, US President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at enhancing the country's drone capabilities. The documents include measures to strengthen national security and reduce dependence on foreign manufacturers.
Particular emphasis in the signed orders was placed on security ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the Summer Olympics 2028, both to be hosted in the United States.
