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Drone Dominance Program

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 its next chapter, DIU aims to reduce the military’s ‘cost per kill’

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.
2 days ago By Brandi Vincent
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)

Senate pushes DOD to create new combatant command for unmanned systems

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.
Jun 11, 2026 By Mikayla Easley
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)

Military leaders want a more integrated, joint approach to drone dominance

The military’s adoption of drones and counter-drone tech has been historically fragmented, with each service pursuing its own strategies.
Apr 30, 2026 By Brandi Vincent
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)

DOD moves to make its largest-ever investment in drones and anti-drone weapons

Officials briefed reporters Tuesday on the Trump administration’s spending plan for fiscal 2027.
Apr 21, 2026 By Brandi Vincent
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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)

British company tops leaderboard for Pentagon’s Drone Dominance Program

The DOD announced the winners of the program's first "Gauntlet."
Mar 9, 2026 By Jon Harper
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)

Senators urge DOD to explore specialized treatments for drone-specific injuries

Uncrewed platforms cause harm that can differ from the wounds that troops endured from improvised explosive devices.
Mar 6, 2026 By Brandi Vincent
A Soldier assigned to 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment employs lethal small unmanned aerial systems during a visit with Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth at Fort Benning, Georgia on Sept. 4, 2025. (DVIDS — Photo by Spc. Luke Sullivan)

DOD placing first Drone Dominance orders this week, with deliveries slated for 17 military units in March

Senior officials shared new details about those and other pursuits to rapidly enhance the U.S. drone industry and associated weapons arsenal.
Mar 5, 2026 By Brandi Vincent
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