The US Army plans to equip every combat division with drones by the end of 2026, as outlined in a memo by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This shift towards drone integration, influenced by the Ukraine conflict, emphasizes smaller, adaptable systems while reducing reliance on traditional crewed vehicles and aircraft. Each division is expected to receive about 1,000 drones for various applications, demonstrating a significant transformation in military strategy to enhance deterrence, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, by leveraging modern drone warfare tactics.
Every division of the US Army should be equipped with drones by the end of 2026, according to an official memo released by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday. The move is part of a raft of measures that aim to 'restore the warrior ethos' and 'reestablish deterrence,' Hegseth wrote.
The memo signals a shift from yearslong procurement cycles for large-scale, multimillion-dollar equipment, to what appears to be a more nimble and responsive approach, wrapping in much cheaper and more adaptable systems.
This announcement is heavily influenced by the war in Ukraine, where Ukraine’s use of drones against Russia has become a blueprint for modern warfare on a budget.
Each combat division of the US Army is set to receive around 1,000 drones to use in attacks, moving supplies, and surveillance, according to The Wall Street Journal.
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