The U.S. Department of War announced on Wednesday that a “massive surge” of over 25,000 drone and counter-drone systems were delivered to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) this year.
The drones and counter-drone systems were delivered by the Pentagon’s Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager, a structure implemented by the U.S. military to accelerate the development, procurement, and fielding of unmanned technology. The Pentagon said delivery of the systems was part of an investment of roughly $782 million.
The announcement comes after Secretary of War Pete Hegseth directed the Pentagon in September to remove what he described as “unnecessary barriers” causing delays in counter-drone capabilities and to accelerate the use of capabilities designed to provide a defense against unmanned aircraft systems….