Flash News: US Army Accelerates Drone Warfare Development Amid Global Conflict Lessons.

The U.S. Army is intensifying its focus on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to enhance battlefield capabilities and address emerging threats. From February 10 to 13, 2025, the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence hosted a UAS Summit at Fort Novosel, bringing together defense experts, military personnel, and industry leaders. Representatives from the U.S. Army Futures Command, DARPA, DEVCOM, and the Department of Defense participated in discussions focused on modernizing the Army’s UAS programs, learning from recent global conflicts, and preparing for future engagements.
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Col. Samuel Fricks, Chief of the Medical Evacuation Concepts and Capabilities Directorate, engages in discussions on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) with an industry partner during the UAS Summit at Fort Novosel on February 12, 2025. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

The UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) summit underscored the increasing role of drones in military operations, particularly in reconnaissance, strike missions, and electronic warfare. With the rapid evolution of drone warfare seen in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the U.S. Army is accelerating efforts to integrate advanced UAS technologies to ensure its forces remain operationally superior.

In recent years, the U.S. Army has made significant advancements in its drone programs, particularly through the Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) initiative. Launched in 2018, this program seeks to replace the aging Textron-made Shadow drone with a more agile and survivable platform. After extensive evaluations, the Army awarded contracts in May 2024 to Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems for the development of modular, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drones designed to improve reconnaissance, endurance, and operational flexibility. These advancements have been directly influenced by lessons from modern battlefields, where drone survivability and adaptability have become crucial factors in determining success.

At the same time, the U.S. Army is advancing its Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program, which focuses on deploying small, backpack-portable drones to provide real-time intelligence at the squad and platoon levels. The Skydio RQ-28A was selected as the U.S. Army’s first program-of-record quadcopter in 2022, and by October 2024, Utah-based Teal Drones secured a contract to supply nearly 11,700 compact drones, further enhancing the Army’s ability to conduct rapid reconnaissance and surveillance missions.

Recognizing the effectiveness of First-Person View (FPV) drones in the Russia-Ukraine war, the U.S. Army is rapidly integrating this technology into its units. FPV drones, controlled via virtual reality headsets, offer unparalleled maneuverability and precision, making them valuable assets for both reconnaissance and strike operations. Their cost-effectiveness and ease of deployment have made them a game-changer in modern conflicts, demonstrating their potential to revolutionize asymmetric warfare. Additionally, the Army is exploring the use of tethered drones, which provide sustained aerial surveillance and intelligence collection while remaining connected to a power source. These developments are expected to become formalized components of the Army’s operational toolkit by fiscal year 2025, ensuring that soldiers have access to cutting-edge aerial capabilities.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has reinforced the strategic importance of drones in contemporary warfare. Both Russian and Ukrainian forces have heavily relied on UAVs for reconnaissance, artillery targeting, and direct attacks, highlighting the critical role of drone technology in modern combat. However, the widespread use of drones has also underscored the necessity for robust counter-drone measures. The U.S. Army has taken note of these lessons and is prioritizing the development of advanced Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS).

The Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (LIDS) is one such initiative designed to detect and neutralize enemy drones before they can pose a threat. In its fiscal year 2025 budget, the U.S. Army has allocated over $500 million for counter-drone programs, focusing on directed-energy weapons, electronic warfare tools, and rapid-response interception technologies. Furthermore, the Army is testing high-power microwave weapons such as the Epirus Leonidas, designed to disable drone swarms through electromagnetic pulses. These efforts reflect a growing emphasis on defensive technologies aimed at neutralizing UAV threats in an increasingly drone-dominated battlespace.

The UAS Summit at Fort Novosel highlighted the importance of collaboration between military branches, defense agencies, and private industry in advancing drone technology. By fostering an environment of shared knowledge and innovation, the U.S. Army is working to anticipate emerging threats and develop the next generation of UAS capabilities. As modern conflicts continue to evolve, integrating advanced drones and counter-drone systems remains a top priority for the U.S. Army. Through initiatives like FTUAS, SRR, FPV drone adoption, and LIDS counter-UAS systems, the Army is ensuring that its forces are equipped with the latest aerial warfare technology.

The lessons learned from Ukraine’s drone war have already begun shaping U.S. Army doctrine, reinforcing the need for rapid innovation in drone operations, electronic warfare, and aerial combat tactics. With continued investment and strategic partnerships, the U.S. Army is positioning itself at the forefront of drone warfare, ensuring that its soldiers remain prepared for the challenges of future battlefields.