According to a recent article by Reuters, the United States Army is preparing a major acquisition push in unmanned systems, with a goal of procuring at least one million drones over the next two to three years.
A Massive Increase in Scale
The Army currently buys about 50,000 drones each year. The plan to scale up to one million represents an extraordinary twenty-fold increase. Officials describe the initiative as an effort to fundamentally change how unmanned systems are viewed and deployed within the U.S. military.
Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll told Reuters that drones will be treated less like expensive, high-end equipment and more like expendable munitions. The approach reflects lessons from recent conflicts, where large numbers of small, low-cost unmanned systems proved highly effective against complex and costly weapons.
What Types of Drones Are Included
While the Army has not specified the exact mix of systems, available reporting suggests the purchase will include a range of platforms. Smaller, inexpensive quadcopters and vertical-takeoff drones will likely make up a large portion of the inventory for reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting support.
Some systems may resemble “loitering munitions” or one-way attack drones, designed to engage targets directly. Mid-sized tactical drones for unit-level operations could also be part of the plan, along with supporting systems for logistics, repair, and training.
For manufacturers, this variety indicates demand across multiple categories, from simple camera drones to advanced autonomous aircraft. Companies able to produce large quantities efficiently, with modular designs and robust supply chains, are positioned to benefit.
Domestic Manufacturing and Supply Chain Development
Much of the current supply chain for drone components is based overseas, particularly in China. The Army’s strategy includes strengthening domestic manufacturing of key parts such as motors, sensors, batteries, and circuit boards.
Rather than relying on a single defense contractor, officials intend to work with a range of commercial manufacturers, including companies that also serve civilian markets. The goal is to create a resilient U.S. industrial base for unmanned systems that can deliver at scale.
Impact on the Drone Industry
The Army’s plan signals a major shift in the global drone landscape. For companies in the unmanned systems sector, the implications are far-reaching:
Scale will matter more than ever. The jump from tens of thousands to millions of units means suppliers must increase production capacity, streamline design, and improve cost efficiency.
A new “attritable” mindset. Drones are being viewed as consumable assets rather than unique, costly systems. That shift will reshape engineering priorities, emphasizing simplicity, rapid deployment, and low unit cost.
Opportunities for commercial firms. The Army’s intention to work with civilian manufacturers opens new doors for commercial drone makers who can meet military standards for performance, security, and reliability.
Domestic supply chain investment. Efforts to localize component production may create new business for U.S. suppliers of electronics, propulsion, and sensor technologies.
Lessons from Modern Warfare
The decision to expand drone use is informed by modern conflict zones where small, affordable drones have proven decisive. In Ukraine, for example, both sides have deployed thousands of low-cost systems for reconnaissance and strike missions. The U.S. Army aims to ensure that its own forces can operate with similar scale and flexibility.
Challenges Ahead
The goal of fielding one million drones presents enormous logistical challenges. Scaling production, securing raw materials, training operators, and integrating the systems into existing force structures will require coordination across government and industry. Even if drones are treated as expendable, maintaining readiness, ensuring secure communication links, and protecting systems from cyber or electronic attack remain complex undertakings.
Army Secretary Driscoll acknowledged that the ramp-up is “a big lift,” but expressed confidence that it is achievable with the right partnerships and industrial strategy.
A Transformative Step for Defense and Industry
The U.S. Army’s commitment to large-scale drone procurement marks a turning point for unmanned systems. For the defense sector, it redefines the role of drones in modern warfare. For commercial manufacturers and suppliers, it represents a rare opportunity to contribute to one of the largest technology build-outs in military history.
If successful, this initiative could permanently shift how drones are built, used, and perceived: from specialized hardware to essential, scalable infrastructure for both defense and commercial applications.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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