Secretary of Defense’s Push for American Drone Dominance

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses is reshaping how the U.S. approaches drone technology, emphasizing that innovation is now a top priority for the Department of Defense. This isn’t just about changing policy; it’s a commitment to putting America first in defense strategies.

Historically, our military has leaned on a bureaucratic procurement process that tends to favor the status quo. Meanwhile, countries like Russia and China are leapfrogging ahead by rapidly modernizing their military with affordable, scalable drones. With Hegses’ recent directives, the goal is for America to catch up and, indeed, outpace adversaries by deploying cutting-edge technology and empowering American workers to develop these innovative solutions.

Following President Trump’s directives for a more aggressive adoption of drones, Hegses is indicating that these technologies can be integrated into modern military operations more swiftly than before. This marks a significant break from the past when red tape often hindered progress in favor of established defense contractors.

However, Hegses knows that a good plan is just the beginning. For true control over American drone production, the Pentagon needs to back its words with actions—specifically, financial commitments. This involves sending clear demand signals to boost American manufacturers’ confidence, encouraging them to invest in the infrastructure necessary for large-scale drone production. The U.S. defense tech sector is poised and ready; the government just needs to move swiftly to demonstrate commitment to this vision.

Some anticipate that the Pentagon will take a slow and careful approach to ensure they find the “right” products first. While this mindset has its merits, it overlooks the complexities of establishing a robust manufacturing infrastructure, which must evolve alongside product development. If we don’t act in tandem, we risk falling further behind adversaries in drone technology.

This urgency is especially pertinent when considering unmanned systems vital for operations in the Pacific Theatre. Such systems require strong manufacturing capabilities, which the U.S. currently lacks. Investment in this infrastructure is essential, even if technology continues to advance over time. Testing is important, but it cannot be a roadblock to developing industrial capabilities—a clear demand signal is crucial.

Shockingly, U.S. service members are often paying for their own commercial drones because official channels can’t meet their needs. As someone with experience as a former U.S. Army Special Operations Officer, I’ve learned that some soldiers are stepping in to fill crucial gaps. For instance, one officer shared that he spent $5,000 of his own money on drones, covering a significant portion of what was budgeted for similar purposes. Meanwhile, adversaries like China and Russia are rapidly deploying adaptable drones focused on effectiveness over perfection.

We can’t afford to wait for the “perfect” solution. The time to act is now, and we need the Pentagon to move alongside us.

American companies, like Vector—a defense tech firm I co-founded in Utah—are ready to rise to the occasion, prepared to produce small drones on a significant scale. We’re all about supporting President Trump’s agenda, which focuses on military readiness and revitalizing American manufacturing.

President Trump has made it clear that his economic goals center around making it easier for businesses in America, creating jobs, and building factories. And I’d say he’s spot on.

National defense should be in the hands of those who believe in this country and understand its needs on the ground. We stand ready to fulfill the vision of American drone control as outlined by both President Trump and Secretary Hegses. However, for this to materialize, clear demand signals are essential. It’s not just about talks or memos; we need definitive action.

In short, the solution is straightforward. We need to invest in American-made drones now.