Pentagon delivers 'massive surge' of drones, counter-drone tech to US forces in Middle East

Deliveries include more than 1,300 attack drones, 100+ unmanned maritime vessels, 24,000+ counter-drone systems

The Pentagon said Wednesday it delivered more than 25,000 unmanned systems and counter-drone capabilities to the US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) this year, following a $782 million investment.

The "massive surge" of deliveries includes more than 1,300 one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), over 100 unmanned surface and underwater vessels, and more than 24,000 counter-unmanned aerial systems designed to protect US forces against hostile drone attacks.

The capabilities were delivered through the Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Unmanned Systems (DRPM-UxS), with counter-drone operations supported by Joint Interagency Task Force 401.

The Pentagon said the initiative reflects a shift toward faster defence procurement and mass production of affordable unmanned systems, providing commanders with additional operational capabilities while reducing reliance on expensive traditional weapons.

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"Under Secretary (Pete) Hegseth's direction, we are moving at the speed of modern combat to equip our forces with decisive, affordable mass," said Owen West, CEO of Project Agincourt and DRPM-UxS.

The effort also supports plans to establish the Autonomous Warfare Command (AUTOWARCOM), a proposed four-star combatant command expected to become operational by October 1, 2027.

The Pentagon said it would continue deliveries to CENTCOM while expanding the deployment of unmanned and autonomous systems to US forces in the Indo-Pacific, Europe and across the Joint Force.