Chicago – December 10, 2024
The Pentagon has announced a new plan to counter the growing threat of drones after a series of attacks near U.S. military bases raised concerns. While much of the strategy remains classified, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin revealed the creation of a new office, the Joint Counter-Small UAS Office, to focus on drone threats. The Pentagon will also establish a new Warfighter Senior Integration Group.
The strategy includes a second Replicator initiative, aimed at using low-cost drones to fight against enemy drones. However, the decision to fund this project will be up to the incoming Trump administration.
The Pentagon’s new plan highlights the dangers posed by unmanned aerial systems, which enemies can easily use to attack or spy on U.S. forces without being easily traced. The strategy outlines five key steps: learning more about enemy drones, attacking their ability to create drones, improving defenses, increasing production of counter-drone systems, and making drone defense a top priority for the military.
