The Army’s 2025 budget request includes $13.5 million for hand-held anti-drone devices and $54.2 million for backpack-size jammers. Equipping a division may require more devices, according to expert Samuel Bendett.
The Army previously said it was equipping the 82nd Airborne and 1st Cavalry divisions with hand-held counter drone weapons. The units received Modi, Smart Shooter, Bal Chatri, and Dronebuster devices.
The Army is seeking to beef up its air defense with larger counter-drone weapons, including jammers and systems that destroy drones outright. Coyote interceptors have been praised as successful counter-drone systems.
Ukrainian troops use thousands of hand-held drone jammers and detectors, reflecting the higher density of anti-drone devices than currently fielded by the U.S. Army. Russian drones with explosives pose a significant threat to Ukrainian defenses, forcing reduced activity during the day.
