In an ambitious move to enhance operational capabilities, the US Army has set an objective to deploy at least one million drones within the next two to three years. This initiative represents a strategic effort to address rapidly evolving battlefield demands through a combination of public-private partnerships and in-house manufacturing.
The announcement came during a visit by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to Picatinny Arsenal, where the new pilot program, dubbed SkyFoundry, was unveiled. The program is focused on boosting domestic drone production and aims to reduce the Army’s dependency on foreign supply chains, a critical consideration in today’s geopolitical environment.
According to an Army spokesperson, SkyFoundry will deliver a diverse array of drones, featuring both expendable and more durable systems. This will ensure that soldiers are equipped for a variety of missions, ranging from offensive operations to counter-drone tasks. The comprehensive approach aims to not only revitalize the US drone industry but also to make drones as standard on the battlefield as traditional munitions.
In pursuing this initiative, SkyFoundry intends to innovate through the production of low-cost components, increase access to essential rare earth materials, and develop a scalable production model. This could facilitate the integration of drone technology into military strategies, promoting versatility and effectiveness in various combat scenarios.
The US has been actively enhancing its drone capabilities across multiple branches of the military. The Army has successfully deployed Grey Eagle Extended Range drones, which are utilized for long-endurance reconnaissance and precision strike operations. The Navy has also made strides with its recent tests of the MQ-25 Stingray, a carrier-based drone specifically designed for aerial refueling and surveillance missions.
Additionally, the Air Force is expanding its fleet of MQ-9 Reapers, which are increasingly equipped with advanced sensors and artificial intelligence to assist in targeting for both surveillance and combat tasks. On the smaller scale, the Pentagon has introduced swarms of micro-drones, such as the Perdix system, that can operate in unison to overwhelm enemy defenses or conduct reconnaissance in contested areas.
The escalation of drone usage is part of a larger trend within the US military to leverage technology and innovation in response to emerging threats and challenges on the battlefield. With the SkyFoundry initiative, the Army seeks to ensure that it remains at the forefront of drone technology and warfare strategies.
