Then-U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Joseph Kunkel, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing commander, stands in an F-15E Strike Eagle July 9, 2021, in an undisclosed location somewhere in Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cameron Otte)
Spectators at Game of Drones observed small Unmanned Aircraft Systems testing and capabilities in various different situations during Game of Drones at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., July 16, 2026. GoD is a week-long event bringing together industry partners, military members, and engineers to conduct live experimentation of emerging sUAS and associated hardware. GoD amplifies the Department of War’s call upon both service and industry to rapidly accelerate testing, acquisition, and production of unmanned systems for the warfighter, referred to as Drone Dominance. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman Christian Rodriguez)
A target is hit by a first-person view small unmanned aircraft system strike during an FPV sUAS live fire demonstration at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 29, 2026. I Marine Expeditionary Force, in partnership with Defense Innovation Unit, evaluated fiber-optic drones for use in signal-degraded environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joshua Bustamante)
In an exclusive interview with DefenseScoop, Owen West shared new details about his vision to reshape DIU’s operational structure to fit its modern mission.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth hosts a drone demonstration at the Pentagon, July 10, 2025. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alondra Y. Lopez Gonzalez)
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth hosts a drone demonstration at the Pentagon, July 10, 2025. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Isaac Llanez Delgado)
The proposed Robotic and Autonomous Systems Combatant Command would have special test and evaluation authorities, as well as limited acquisition authorities to streamline capability delivery.
A VBAT unmanned aerial system takes off from the flight deck of San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) during counter-small UAS training in the Pacific Ocean, April 4, 2026. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Luke Rodriguez)
Drones stand by prior to a training exercise at Fort Hood, Texas, April 15, 2026. The Multi-Functional Strike Troop, 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment “Garryowen”, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, participated in the training as part of the Pegasus Charge and Ironhorse Rebirth initiatives, allowing the unit to test new equipment and validate their formations. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Michelle Lessard-Terry)
Screenshot of a DOD video of Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Emil Michael and Defense Innovation Unit Director Travis Metz observing a drone dominance demonstration at Fort Benning, Ga., March 2, 2026. (DoW video by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Dennis Buzard)
U.S. Soldiers assigned to 6th Squadron, 8th Calvary Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division deploy a smoke screen during Spartan Focus at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Feb.13, 2026. Dogface Soldiers employ drones to identify enemy movements, extend reconnaissance and enhance obscuration efforts through coordinated smoke screens. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Jaimee Perez)
