War Department Takes 30,000 Drones, Orders 60,000 More

The War Department said it is taking delivery of 30,000 drones under the $1.1 billion Drone Dominance Program. It plans to order 60,000 more in September.

The two-year initiative follows an executive order from President Trump that directed the department to accelerate procurement of low-cost, U.S.-made drones. Department officials described the program as a response to operational needs identified in recent conflicts.

The $1.1 billion contract vehicle covers a range of drone types, from small reconnaissance platforms to larger loitering munitions. The September order will double the fleet in a single procurement, the department said.

The contracts will be awarded to U.S. manufacturers. The broader defense drone industry expects a sustained ramp in production as the military scales its unmanned fleet.