The Pentagon Grapples with the Rising Challenge of Inexpensive Drones
The Pentagon finds itself in a conundrum, vividly demonstrated by its encounters in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden: How can it efficiently intercept low-cost yet highly lethal drones wielded by an increasing array of adversaries?
Labnetdm 🕘 05/26/2024
Why it's significant: The U.S. and other military forces sometimes find themselves using munitions worth millions of dollars to neutralize unmanned aerial systems that can be assembled from readily available components for a fraction of the cost. This trade-off may not be sustainable in the long run.
What experts are saying: Bill LaPlante, the Pentagon's top weapons purchaser, highlighted the issue before a Senate appropriations subcommittee, noting, "If we're shooting down a $50,000 one-way drone with a $3 million missile, that's not a good cost equation." He emphasized the rapid evolution of drone technology and tactics, indicating an ongoing struggle.
LaPlante also revealed his leadership of a new initiative aimed at deploying counter-UAS equipment to critical areas.
Recent developments: Iran's failed attempt to target Israel using hundreds of attack drones earlier this year and the persistent harassment of vessels near Yemen by Houthi rebels have stretched U.S. military resources in the region. The U.S. Navy has already spent approximately $1 billion on munitions during its six-month patrol.
In January, a drone strike at Tower 22 near the al-Tanf garrison in Jordan resulted in the deaths of three troops.
Focus on solutions: Rear Adm. Fred Pyle, director of surface warfare for the chief of naval operations, acknowledged the challenge of operating on the "wrong side of the cost curve." While missile-based air defense has proven effective, it comes with a hefty price tag.
Pyle stressed the necessity of finding more cost-effective means to counter inexpensive drones, emphasizing the need for innovation. Ships throughout the Greater Middle East have relied on costly Standard Missiles to intercept incoming threats, despite the vast difference in cost between these missiles and the drones they're targeting.
The Army took a step forward in February by purchasing 600 Coyote interceptors from RTX, formerly Raytheon Technologies, as part of the Low, slow, small, unmanned aircraft Integrated Defeat System (LIDS) program, totaling $75 million.
Looking ahead: Both LaPlante and Pyle mentioned ongoing consultations with the defense industry to explore potential solutions, though they refrained from naming specific contractors.
Pyle stressed the necessity of finding more cost-effective means to counter inexpensive drones, emphasizing the need for innovation. Ships throughout the Greater Middle East have relied on costly Standard Missiles to intercept incoming threats, despite the vast difference in cost between these missiles and the drones they're targeting.