URGENT UPDATE: The US military is facing mounting pressure to expedite the development of combat drones, as officials warn of serious delays that could jeopardize national security. During a recent drone demonstration at the Pentagon on July 10, 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the critical need for the US to catch up in this rapidly evolving arena of warfare.
Officials, including Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. James Mingus, are sounding alarms similar to those raised during the early days of combat against IEDs in Iraq. Mingus declared drones as the “IED of today,” highlighting their potential to reshape modern battlefields and pose significant threats to traditional military powers. The urgent call for action comes as Ukraine demonstrates effective drone strategies against Russian forces, showcasing the tactical advantages these technologies can provide.
The Pentagon’s newly formed “joint interagency task force” aims to accelerate US drone operations, but insiders warn that bureaucracy is stifling progress. Critically, Hegseth noted that current US military units lack access to the small, lethal drones essential for modern combat. He attributed these setbacks to the previous administration’s “red tape,” which allowed adversaries to produce millions of cost-effective drones annually.
In a bid to overhaul the Pentagon’s drone strategy, the Defense Department is shifting its approach by treating drones as expendable munitions rather than costly aircraft requiring extensive development. This includes empowering lower-level commanders to procure and deploy smaller drones directly, an effort to streamline operations and enhance battlefield responsiveness.
Despite these initiatives, experts express concern about the slow pace of adaptation within the military. Critics argue that the Pentagon is lagging behind in developing the sophisticated drone capabilities demonstrated by Ukraine and Russia, including advanced “kamikaze” drones and versatile ground drones capable of laying mines and delivering supplies.
Stacie Pettyjohn, director of defense programs at the Center for a New American Security, stated, “We are really, really behind.” She pointed out that existing US drones are often inferior in quality compared to their Chinese counterparts, which are widely used by Ukrainian forces. The US military’s reliance on foreign components, particularly from China, further complicates its ability to achieve drone dominance.
The urgency for reform is palpable as military leaders grapple with outdated doctrines and procurement processes. Experts warn that a significant cultural shift is needed to embrace the rapid technological advancements characterizing modern warfare. Hegseth’s call to action echoes the sentiments of former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who famously pushed for immediate solutions during the IED crisis, stressing that “troops are dying.”
As the Pentagon allocates a record $179 billion for research and development, the question remains: can this funding translate into meaningful advancements in drone technology? The military’s historical focus on high-cost, prestige programs, such as the F-35 fighter jet, has drawn resources away from urgently needed innovations in drone warfare.
Looking ahead, the Pentagon’s ability to successfully navigate bureaucratic hurdles and implement rapid changes will be crucial. Hegseth’s leadership will be tested as he aims to eliminate obstacles and accelerate the deployment of effective drone technologies. The military’s future readiness may hinge on its ability to adapt in the face of evolving threats on the battlefield.
As reports of ongoing military developments emerge, the urgency for the US to rise to the challenge of drone warfare is clearer than ever. The call to action is loud and clear: the time for rapid adaptation is now.
