DoD Signs New Strategy for Countering Unmanned Systems

December 9, 2024

Army Spc. Kevin Jiminez operates the "Dronebuster" during counter-unmanned aerial systems training near Pabrade, Lithuania. (Image: DoD)

The Department of Defense announced that Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has signed a new, classified strategy for countering the effects of unmanned systems, also called "drones."

According to an unclassified fact sheet released by the department, unmanned systems are increasing in capability and are posing ever-increasing threats to the U.S. and its allies.

"Enabled by growing commercial innovation and the increasing sophistication of artificial intelligence, autonomy and networking technology, unmanned systems are fundamentally changing how militaries of all sizes, capacities, and capabilities — as well as non-state actors — achieve their objectives," the fact sheet says.

Countering the effects of those unmanned systems has been a priority for the secretary of defense since he took office in 2021, said the Pentagon press secretary during a briefing last week. The new strategy strengthens efforts already underway by the department to deal with the growing threat.

"Unmanned systems, more commonly known as drones, have the potential to pose both an urgent and enduring threat to U.S. personnel, facilities and assets overseas and increasingly in the U.S. homeland," said Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. "The threats presented by these systems are changing how wars are fought. With this singular strategy for countering unmanned systems, in conjunction with other major DoD initiatives ... the DoD is orienting around a common understanding of the challenge and a comprehensive approach to addressing it."

The new strategy builds on other major DoD initiatives, including the standup of the Joint Counter-Small UAS Office, the establishment of the Warfighter Senior Integration Group, and the launch of the Replicator 2 initiative meant to defend against threats posed by small aerial systems. The recent designation of the Commanders of NORTHCOM and INDOPACOM as the lead synchronizers for operations to counter-UAS in the homeland also ensures a cohesive approach to this challenge.

The new strategy is classified, but the associated unclassified fact sheet reveals some of the efforts the department plans to take as part of that strategy.

One effort involves gaining a better understanding of the threats posed by unmanned systems and improving the ability of American forces to detect, track and characterize those threats.

Another aspect of the strategy is to build counter-unmanned system efforts and knowledge into existing U.S. military doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership, personnel, facilities and policy.

Through the strategy, the department also commits to delivering adaptable counter-UAS solutions more quickly and at scale, including by working more closely with U.S. partners and allies.

Of note also is that the department, within the strategy, recognizes the vast difference between the low cost of developing and deploying unmanned systems and the high cost the U.S. currently spends to defeat those systems. Here, in the strategy, the department commits to reducing the imbalance.

Ryder said the strategy allows the department to approach the threat posed by UAS in a way that's "comprehensive, cohesive and holistic."

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III stated, "In recent years, adversary unmanned systems have evolved rapidly. These cheap systems are increasingly changing the battlefield, threatening U.S. installations, and wounding or killing our troops.

To get after this threat, I directed the swift development of a classified, comprehensive, Department-wide strategy. It lays out a roadmap for countering the threat of adversary unmanned systems – today and far into the future.

Drones and other unmanned systems will increasingly transform the security environment. Tackling these threats will not be easy. But the United States military is unrivaled in our ability to adapt to new challenges, and the Department is moving out on making this strategy's vision a reality. The character of war is changing, and we will change with it."

Click here to see the unclassified fact sheet on the DoD Strategy for Countering Unmanned Systems.

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