The Pentagon has been enhancing drone defenses at overseas bases over the past 18 months, following an attack by an Iran-backed militia that resulted in the deaths of three Army reservists at a Jordanian outpost early last year.
Recent months have revealed a broader vulnerability for the U.S. military, as both Israel and Ukraine have successfully utilized drones to strike adversaries deep within enemy territory.
The innovative use of drones by an Israeli intelligence agency to conduct strikes from within Iran, alongside Ukraine’s Operation Spider’s Web, which targeted Russian strategic bombers from inside Russia, underscores that the threat to the U.S. military extends beyond foreign bases to domestic concerns.
American defense companies are advocating for new technologies aimed at more effectively intercepting drones. They anticipate that the billions allocated by the Pentagon for missile defense under the Golden Dome program will also bolster drone defense capabilities.
Some emerging technologies focus on using directed energy, such as high-powered microwaves, to neutralize large swarms of drones simultaneously. The military has conducted tests of this microwave system in both the Middle East and the Pacific, paving the way for increased Pentagon investment.
Leaders from Epirus, the company behind the microwave defense technology, have cautioned that the rise of new drone types presents the U.S. military with a “guerrilla war of machines,” a concept that challenges traditional military strategies.
Andy Lowery, the chief executive of Epirus, noted the rapid evolution of drone warfare in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing that similar developments could occur in the U.S.
Ukrainian forces, with U.S. assistance, have made significant investments in drone technology, developing new drones capable of targeting ships, planes, and tanks. American officials estimate that Ukrainian drones have accounted for approximately 70 percent of Russian casualties in recent months.
During Operation Spider’s Web, Ukraine’s intelligence agency successfully smuggled drones across Russia to strike multiple air bases, resulting in substantial damage to Russian strategic bombers. This operation highlighted the effectiveness of inexpensive, concealable drones against conventional military forces.
Russia has also employed drones, including those manufactured in Iran, to intimidate Ukrainian troops and civilians. Iranian drones have been utilized by Tehran-backed militias in various regions, including Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.
Israel’s recent drone operations against its nuclear program in Iran further illustrate the rapid global proliferation of drone technology.
Experts indicate that adapting strategies to counter drone threats poses a significant challenge for the Pentagon.
Christian Brose, chief strategy officer at Anduril, likened the current situation to a “Sept. 11-style problem,” suggesting that the military remains in a pre-9/11 mindset regarding drone threats.
Despite these concerns, Pentagon officials assert they are taking the threat seriously and are investing in improved defenses. American commanders, particularly in the Middle East, have developed a layered defense network that includes jamming devices and missiles to counter hostile drone, rocket, and missile attacks.
These efforts intensified following the January 2024 attack in Jordan, which resulted in the deaths of three Army reservists. Admiral Charles B. Cooper II, President Trump’s nominee for the head of the Pentagon’s Central Command, stated that considerable improvements have been made since the attack.
However, Brose and others caution that the threat is not limited to overseas bases. In December 2023, surveillance drones were spotted over an Air Force base in Virginia, raising concerns about domestic vulnerabilities.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged the emerging threat posed by inexpensive, commercially available drones equipped with explosives. He confirmed that he met with military leaders to ensure adequate protection for forces both domestically and abroad.
Recently, the Pentagon approved the establishment of a new organization, led by the Army, to address drone warfare and counter-drone measures. This initiative is modeled after a previous agency created to combat improvised explosive devices used against U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
While the Army oversees drone defense, critics argue that its current strategies rely on outdated technology and lack adaptability in the face of rapidly evolving drone threats.
New technologies are being developed to enhance detection and neutralization of incoming drones more efficiently. Critics assert that older systems struggle to identify which drones pose the most immediate threats.
Anduril, which has contracts with Special Operations Command and the Marine Corps, offers a counter-drone system that integrates various detection methods and neutralization techniques.
Proponents of these technologies argue that the government should adopt new counter-drone systems more swiftly rather than relying solely on internal development. Corporations involved in anti-drone technology have expressed concerns that government regulations hinder progress.
Lowery likened the emerging drone threat to a pivotal moment in Star Wars, emphasizing the need for a shift in perspective regarding drone capabilities.