Pentagon to Increase Low-Cost Drone Production in U.S.

The United States plans to boost the production and deployment of affordable drones within its armed forces to strengthen battlefield dominance.

The Pentagon announced this initiative, highlighting a commitment to swiftly incorporate cutting-edge innovations in unmanned systems developed by American companies into military operations.

On July 16, the Pentagon showcased 18 drone mock-ups. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who toured the exhibition, remarked that the drones – built using off-the-shelf components for rapid production – were examples of revolutionary thinking.

Emil Michael, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, shared that the mock-ups had moved from concept to development in an average of 18 months. Among them was the Shahed-like strike drone, LUCAS.

In a memorandum dated July 10, 2025, Hegseth announced the lifting of restrictive policies that had previously limited drone production.

“Drones represent the most significant battlefield innovation of our generation, responsible for the majority of losses in Ukraine this year. Our adversaries are producing millions of affordable drones every year,” he stated.

He further emphasized that the U.S. military then faced a shortage of lethal small drones needed to maintain its edge.

The head of the Department of Defense has outlined the following goals:

• Prioritize the procurement of drones and components made in the USA with the support of private industry capital;
• Equip combat units with affordable drones developed by leading American engineers and artificial intelligence experts;
• Conduct training using drones in realistic combat scenarios under the leadership of commanders who are unafraid to take risks.

On June 6, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to accelerate drone production in the United States using the latest innovative technologies.

He stated his support for reducing regulatory uncertainty and streamlining the approval and certification processes for drone manufacturing.

Additionally, according to Trump, the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Department of Defense will coordinate efforts to optimize the approval processes, expanding access to airspace for drone training exercises.