Hegseth Urges U.S. Army to Enhance Anti-Drone Technologies

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has formally directed senior Pentagon officials to establish a clear mandate aimed at expediting Army modernization and acquisition reforms, with an emphasis on addressing the increasing threat from unmanned systems. The memorandum, dated April 30, 2025, specifies objectives for the U.S. Army to incorporate unmanned systems (UMS) and counter-drone capabilities into operational units by 2026 and 2027.

This strategic directive arises amid rising drone activity in global conflict areas, particularly the ongoing threats from Yemen and the wider Red Sea region. Secretary Hegseth’s directive underscores the growing apprehension within the U.S. Department of Defense regarding the changing landscape of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), which are increasingly utilized by both state and non-state actors to target U.S. military assets, allies, and civilian infrastructure.

The memo emphasizes, ‘Unmanned systems pose both an immediate and long-term threat to American personnel, facilities, and critical assets. To prevail in future conflicts, we must adapt our strategies today.’ Recent events in the Middle East, particularly the rise in drone assaults by Iranian-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen, have heightened the urgency of this initiative. Over the past year, U.S. naval and allied commercial vessels operating in the Red Sea have encountered swarms of loitering munitions and explosive-laden drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas.

These low-cost, asymmetric weapons have compromised maritime security and revealed weaknesses in current air defense systems. The Defense Department now perceives these tactics as indicative of a significant transformation in modern warfare, where drones are pivotal across all operational domains.

In response to the changing threat environment, Secretary Hegseth has instructed the U.S. Army to implement Unmanned Systems (UMS) and Ground- and Air-Launched Effects (GLE/ALE) across all divisions by the end of 2026. Concurrently, counter-UAS capabilities are to be integrated into maneuver platoons by 2026 and expanded to maneuver companies by 2027. This initiative highlights the importance of not only the tactical use of these technologies but also the necessity for improved mobility and cost-effectiveness to maintain operational relevance in future conflicts.

The modernization process is already in progress with the introduction of systems like the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) and the Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) platform. MADIS, which is mounted on the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), features radar, electro-optical sensors, and electronic warfare capabilities, allowing it to detect and neutralize aerial threats, including small drones, in real time. MADIS units have been deployed in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific regions, playing a vital role in force protection.

M-SHORAD, built on the Stryker armored vehicle, combines Stinger missiles, a 30mm cannon, and advanced optics to deliver highly mobile short-range air defense for ground units on the move. Its recent deployment with the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team during European training exercises illustrates its integration into NATO’s wider air defense framework. These systems represent the forefront of the Army’s tactical counter-drone capabilities and reflect the strategic direction set forth by Secretary Hegseth.

The new Strategy for Countering Unmanned Systems from the U.S. Department establishes a cohesive framework to tackle this issue, focusing on interoperability, swift acquisition processes, and adaptable solutions.

A senior defense official remarked, ‘Drones are reshaping the security landscape. They are altering the dynamics of warfare, from surveillance to suicide missions.’ He added, ‘Our strategy aligns all Department components to address this challenge with agility and cohesion.’

Specialized units like SGT STOUT, which tests new technologies such as autonomous ground systems, drone defense networks, and AI-driven sensor fusion, further bolster these initiatives. This innovative approach to force design is anticipated to set a precedent for future integration of advanced unmanned and counter-unmanned capabilities at the division level.

As drone threats proliferate—from Yemen’s mountains to the South China Sea—the U.S. Department of Defense is adopting a thorough and forward-looking strategy. By leveraging technological advancements, structural changes, and battlefield integration, the U.S. Army is gearing up to confront and neutralize the challenges of future conflicts with effective capabilities already being implemented.