UPDATE: The US military is facing a critical setback in drone warfare capabilities, with urgent calls for action following a demonstration led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on July 10, 2025. Officials are warning that the Pentagon is lagging behind in a rapidly evolving battlefield landscape, where drones are becoming essential for modern combat.
During the drone demonstration at the Pentagon, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. James Mingus emphasized that drones are akin to the improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that posed significant threats in Iraq two decades ago. He stated, “We cannot move fast enough in this space,” reflecting a growing concern that smaller nations like Ukraine are leveraging drone technology to challenge larger powers, particularly in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The Pentagon’s recent formation of a “joint interagency task force” aims to expedite the US military’s response to this pressing issue. Hegseth’s new initiative, titled “Unleashing US Military Drone Dominance,” highlights the urgent need for US units to be equipped with modern, lethal drones. However, he noted that current military units lack the necessary drone capabilities, attributing delays to bureaucratic hurdles and insufficient funding under the previous administration.
Critics are alarmed that the Defense Department’s slow adaptation mirrors past failures in addressing the IED crisis. The former Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, faced significant pushback when he sought to deploy life-saving Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles during the Iraq War. “Hurry up! Troops are dying,” he famously told officials, urging immediate action. Today, military experts worry that history is repeating itself as the Pentagon struggles to modernize its drone arsenal.
Stacie Pettyjohn, director of the defense program at the Center for a New American Security, stated, “We are really, really behind.” She highlighted that existing US drones are inferior and overpriced compared to commercially available models, particularly those produced by the Chinese company DJI, which have been effectively utilized by Ukrainian forces.
Despite recent announcements of a record $179 billion for research and development, the Pentagon’s drone strategy remains unclear. The current budget allocates minimal funds for low-cost drone development, raising concerns about the US military’s ability to compete against China’s vast drone production capabilities.
As the situation develops, military leaders are being urged to prioritize drone capabilities and streamline procurement processes. The Army is beginning to experiment with new training programs for drone operators, but experts caution that significant cultural and structural changes are necessary for effective implementation.
The urgency of the drone warfare crisis cannot be understated. As military operations evolve, the US must adapt rapidly to avoid falling further behind adversaries. With Ukraine demonstrating the effectiveness of drones in combat, the Pentagon is under pressure to make immediate improvements in its operational readiness and technological capabilities.
What happens next? The Defense Department’s ability to overcome bureaucratic challenges and effectively integrate drone technology into its combat strategies will be pivotal. As military leaders assess the situation, the stakes are higher than ever, and the outcome could redefine the future of warfare.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds. Share this urgent news with your network to highlight the pressing needs of the US military in the drone warfare landscape.
