Armed Small Drones Become Strategic Focus of U.S. Defense Policy

The U.S. Department of Defense has initiated a significant transformation in its approach to drone warfare, marked by a sweeping policy shift aimed at accelerating the deployment and integration of small uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) across the military. This change, formalized through a memo titled “Unleashing U.S. Military Drone Dominance,” reflects a broader strategic recalibration in response to evolving battlefield dynamics and technological advancements.

US Marines flying Drone-40. USMC

Central to the new policy is the reclassification of Group 1 and Group 2 drones—typically lightweight systems used for reconnaissance and tactical operations—as “consumables.” This categorization aligns them with munitions rather than traditional aircraft, thereby streamlining procurement, deployment, and operational protocols. The Pentagon argues that such drones resemble ammunition more than durable equipment, and should be treated accordingly to facilitate rapid replacement and scalability.

The memo also delegates significant authority to lower-level commanders, specifically those at the O-6 level, enabling them to procure, test, and authorize the use of small drones without navigating the previously rigid bureaucratic channels. This decentralization is intended to foster innovation and responsiveness at the unit level, allowing frontline troops to adapt drone capabilities to specific operational needs.

In tandem with these structural changes, the Pentagon is expanding its domestic drone manufacturing base. Hundreds of American-made drone products are being approved for military use, with a stated preference for sourcing from domestic suppliers. This initiative is supported by a recent executive order from the White House, which aims to stimulate U.S. drone production for both military and civilian applications.

Training protocols are also undergoing revision. The Department of Defense plans to integrate drone operations into all relevant combat training by 2027, including force-on-force simulations. New drone ranges are being established, and existing airspace restrictions are being reassessed to accommodate live-fire and swarm testing. These measures are designed to ensure that drone warfare becomes a routine component of military exercises and readiness assessments.

The policy overhaul comes amid growing concerns about the U.S. military’s lag in adopting drone technologies compared to adversaries. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cited the widespread use of drones in conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, where inexpensive, first-person-view kamikaze drones have played a prominent role. He emphasized that while global drone production has surged, previous U.S. administrations imposed regulatory constraints that hindered domestic deployment.

The memo also calls for the establishment of active-duty formations dedicated to scaling small drone usage across the armed forces. These units are expected to be operational by September and will prioritize deployments in the Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, the services are directed to create program offices focused exclusively on rapid drone acquisition, and to identify existing programs that could benefit from uncrewed systems.

To support these initiatives, the Pentagon is reforming its Blue List—a registry of drones and components approved for military use. The Defense Contract Management Agency will now oversee this list, which will be updated dynamically to reflect performance evaluations and lessons learned from field operations. The goal is to simplify the certification process and encourage innovation through local manufacturing and 3D printing.

This strategic pivot underscores a recognition that modern warfare increasingly relies on the ability to deploy large numbers of low-cost, precise systems. The Pentagon’s shift toward a “high-low mix” of forces—combining inexpensive drones with traditional high-end platforms—reflects an effort to adapt to the realities of contemporary conflict. While legacy systems like aircraft carriers and fighter jets remain integral, the emphasis is shifting toward scalable, autonomous technologies that can be rapidly fielded and iterated.

The Pentagon’s new drone policy represents a comprehensive effort to recalibrate its military capabilities in line with emerging threats and technological possibilities. By redefining procurement practices, decentralizing authority, and expanding training and manufacturing infrastructure, the Department of Defense aims to establish U.S. dominance in the domain of small uncrewed aerial systems by 2027.