Pentagon Plans Major Increase in Counter-Drone Technology Spending Amid Rising Threats
The Pentagon is planning to significantly increase its budget for counter-drone technology, with a proposed expenditure of nearly $1 billion in 2027. This marks a substantial rise from the $596 million allocated in 2026. The increase is part of a broader strategy to enhance the U.S. military's capabilities in countering small unmanned aerial systems (c-UAS). The budget proposal includes $26.5 million for applied research and a potential increase in development funding from $140 million in 2026 to $359.2 million in 2027. This move comes as drone threats continue to proliferate globally, with militaries looking to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict for insights and technological advancements. The Pentagon's counter-drone task force aims to acquire $600 million in c-UAS technology to support various operations, including the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran and the protection of critical infrastructure. 
