Pentagon unveils multi-layered strategy for countering weaponized drones

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has approved a classified strategy aimed at countering the rising threats posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS), which have become an urgent concern for US personnel and facilities globally.

The Pentagon highlighted in a statement on December 5 that the new strategy aims to unify the military’s approach to defending against weaponized drones, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media sources.

“Unmanned systems pose both an urgent and enduring threat to US personnel, facilities, and assets overseas,” the statement read, emphasizing the need for a coordinated strategy to address these growing risks.

In recent years, one-way drone attacks have surged, with adversaries like Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeting ships in the Red Sea using small drones. Drones have also been a significant part of Russia's tactics in its ongoing war in Ukraine. In response, the Pentagon is implementing a multi-layered defence strategy, combining electronic warfare and kinetic weapons to disable enemy drones. This approach aligns with ongoing Department of Defense (DOD) programs and efforts from the Joint Counter-Small UAS office, which coordinates military tactics and training for countering drones.

Additionally, Austin’s strategy supports the second phase of the Replicator initiative, focusing on rapidly deploying commercially available counter-drone technology. The Pentagon is also planning to request funds for fiscal year 2026 to develop significantly improved counter-UAS systems within two years.

A fact sheet released on December 5 outlines five key efforts in the strategy, including enhancing detection and tracking capabilities, countering “threat networks,” integrating counter-drone defence into military doctrine and policy, expediting the deployment of counter-UAS technology, and prioritizing funding for these advancements.

The strategy stresses the importance of partnerships with Congress, defence and commercial industries, and allies to strengthen defence measures.

While the Pentagon acknowledges that ongoing threats will require continuous reassessment, this strategy sets a foundational framework to meet the challenge of unmanned systems.

By Tamilla Hasanova