Pentagon Adopts Classified Strategy to Counter Drone Threats
6 December, 2024 Dronebuster anti-drone rifle. Photo from open sources Secretary of Defense Lloyd J.
Austin III has signed a new, classified strategy for countering the effects of unmanned systems, or drones. The U.S. Department of Defense reported on this.
According to an unclassified fact sheet released by the department, unmanned systems are increasing in capability and are posing ever-increasing threats to the U.S. and its allies. The U.S. Department of Defense emphasized that drones have the potential to pose both an urgent and enduring threat to U.S. personnel, facilities and assets overseas and increasingly in the U.S. homeland.
The new strategy is classified, but the associated unclassified fact sheet reveals some of the efforts the department plans to take as part of that strategy.
Skydio X2d drone of the US Army.
2023. Photo credits: defenseone.com
The new strategy builds on other major DoD initiatives, including the standup of the Joint Counter-Small UAS Office, the establishment of the Warfighter Senior Integration Group, and the launch of the Replicator 2 initiative meant to defend against threats posed by small aerial systems.
One effort involves gaining a better understanding of the threats posed by unmanned systems and improving the ability of American forces to detect, track and characterize those threats. Another aspect of the strategy is to build counter-unmanned system efforts and knowledge into existing U.S. military doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership, personnel, facilities and policy. Through the strategy, the department also commits to delivering adaptable counter-UAS solutions more quickly and at scale, including by working more closely with U.S. partners and allies.
Smart Shooter digital sight on an M4 rifle.
Photo from open sources
The United States Armed Forces have already opened the first military school for combating small unmanned aerial systems.
Procurement of interceptor drones
In October 2024, Anduril Industries received a contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to supply interceptor drones and electronic warfare equipment.
An Anduril's Roadrunner UAV during vertical takeoff. Photo credits: Anduril
The company has received a contract worth nearly £250 million to supply advanced air defense equipment to the US Department of Defense.
Under this contract, more than 500 Roadrunner-M interceptor drones and Pulsar electronic warfare systems will be delivered.
Deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter of 2024 and continue until the end of 2025.