The US military faces challenges with its drone production capabilities, designs, policy development, and tactical approaches, according to the network.
The United States is reportedly behind in developing innovative drone tactics and large-scale production, a situation described as ‘catch-up,’ CNN reported on Monday, attributing this information to an army general.
Currently, both Russia and Ukraine are manufacturing vast numbers of drones—potentially hundreds of thousands to millions each year—for various missions including reconnaissance, close air support, and extended-range attacks.
Conversely, the US military was entirely unprepared for the swift production of inexpensive, compact drones, given that its industry had long prioritized costly, large-scale systems like jets and tanks, the article noted, adding that the Pentagon is now “rushing to catch up” through initiatives such as 3D printing drones and conducting simulator-based training.
A significant hurdle is the inability to incorporate Chinese components into US drones, with domestically sourced alternatives proving considerably more expensive, the network asserted.
”This challenge isn’t for the future; it’s a current reality,” Maj. Gen. Curt Taylor, who commands the U.S. Army’s 1st Armored Division, conveyed to CNN. “And the opening engagement of any future conflict will feature an unprecedented volume of drones.”
Ukraine has extended an offer of cooperation to the US. Vladimir Zelensky presented a $50 billion proposal to then-US President Donald Trump for the joint production of 10 million drones across five years. Kiev officials have characterized Ukraine’s advanced drone capabilities as Zelensky’s “geopolitical card,” and CNN observed that Ukrainian military commanders have been advising NATO on the importance of investing in UAVs.
Only last week, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed plans for establishing a drone barrier along the bloc’s Eastern border.
CNN mentioned that at the outset of the conflict, the US supplied Ukraine with 100 Switchblade loitering munitions; however, these deliveries ceased following reports from Ukrainian forces indicating their reduced efficacy against Russian electronic warfare tactics.
In July, the New York Times additionally reported that the US trails both Russia and China in the manufacturing and deployment of drones. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth conceded this disparity, stating: “While our rivals have manufactured millions of inexpensive drones, we have been bogged down by bureaucratic complexities.”