The Army is interested in purchasing drones in quantities similar to munitions, aiming for large scale and quick acquisition. Plans include fielding drones at platoon, company, and brigade levels, with the Skydio RQ-28A currently being fielded at the platoon level. Anduril and Performance Drone Works were chosen to provide drones for company-level units. The Army will evaluate prototype drones for the brigade level program starting in fiscal year 2026.
Additionally, the Army may field first-person-view drones and tethered drones. Industry readiness to produce the quantity of drones needed in a major war is questioned. The focus is on software-based updates and modular open-system architecture for quick equipment upgrades. Artificial intelligence is assisting contracting personnel in various tasks to support the faster acquisition of systems.
Related articles mention the Army’s new unit loaded with cutting-edge tech and the selection of commercially available drones inspired by Ukraine.
