U.S. Army Advances Battlefield Technology with Major Drone Purchase
The U.S. Army has made a significant stride in enhancing its military capabilities by placing an order for nearly 12,000 small surveillance drones, each compact enough to fit into a soldier’s backpack. This pivotal move comes at a time when global conflicts, most notably the war in Ukraine, have highlighted the increasing importance of electronic warfare on the modern battlefield.
Transforming the Warfare Landscape
Drone expert Brett Velicovich, a former U.S. Army intelligence and special operations soldier, shared insights on the evolving nature of warfare during a discussion with Fox News Digital. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, now spanning almost three years, has significantly altered how nations strategize for combat. Velicovich noted that many images reminiscent of past conflicts, such as children boarding evacuation trains and the presence of trenches along the eastern front, have surfaced. However, what sets the current war apart is Ukraine’s ingenious use of drones against a more formidable and better-equipped adversary, prompting militaries worldwide to reevaluate the role of unmanned aerial systems.
Revolutionizing War Tactics with Drones
“Think about wars in the past,” Velicovich explained, drawing parallels to the Vietnam War. “You didn’t know what was over the hill. You’d see a red hat and fire. Now, drones provide real-time intelligence, allowing forces to maneuver more effectively.” This tactical advancement is not unheard of in military history. As reported by the *Wall Street Journal*, the U.S. Army’s drone acquisition marks its largest-ever purchase of small surveillance drones, a contract recently awarded to Teal Drones, a division of Red Cat Holdings based in Utah.
The decision to focus on small drones signifies a notable departure from higher-cost systems such as Predator and Reaper drones. While these larger drones have proven effective for intelligence gathering and missile strikes, they fall short of the affordability and maneuverability offered by smaller unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The lightweight nature of these drones allows them to serve as indispensable tools on the battlefield, capable of carrying explosives and acting as guided artillery.
“These handheld systems have completely transformed modern warfare,” Velicovich stated. “We’re no longer fighting future wars without drones. They’re now a battlefield necessity.”
Addressing Delayed Progress in U.S. Military Drone Adoption
Despite these advancements, Velicovich criticized the slow pace of drone adoption within the U.S. military, noting that it has taken over 15 years for the Army to expand its Short Range Reconnaissance program to include backpack-sized drones. He attributed this delay to traditional mindsets prevalent within the Department of Defense. “These senior leaders are battle-hardened infantry veterans who didn’t grow up with high-tech solutions,” he explained. “Changing that mentality has been a challenge. What’s driving the change now is Ukraine’s demonstrated success with drones.”
The practical utilization of drones in Ukraine has dispelled the notion that they are mere futuristic novelties. Velicovich asserted, “The future isn’t coming—it’s here. Ukraine’s experience forces us to adapt.”
The Black Widow: A Game-Changing Drone
In collaboration with the U.S. Army, Teal Drones has developed an advanced Small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) known as the Black Widow, tailored to meet the demands of modern combat. This drone can be operated by a single soldier, effectively withstand jamming from Russian electronic warfare systems, and function in GPS-denied environments—critical attributes that have been underscored during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Jeff Thompson, CEO of Red Cat Holdings, highlighted that the Black Widow is designed to enhance soldier safety and effectiveness. Priced at ,000 per system, each order includes two drones and a controller compact enough to fit into a rucksack. However, experts caution that the Army’s initial acquisition of 12,000 Black Widow drones may only scratch the surface of the total requirement. Velicovich noted that Ukrainian forces are currently utilizing an estimated 10,000 drones per month, frequently employing low-cost first-person view (FPV) drones that can be designed as kamikaze weapons.
The Drone Arms Race: A Tactical Power Struggle
Drone warfare extends beyond sheer numbers. Velicovich emphasized, “It’s a power game,” pointing to the continuous evolution of counter-drone technologies, including jamming systems. “This is a cat-and-mouse game, and it’s happening at a level most people don’t fully comprehend.” He raised concerns that the dynamics currently unfolding in Ukraine could foreshadow conflicts the U.S. may encounter in the future. “What we’re seeing on the ground in Ukraine is like a glimpse into what’s ahead. The U.S. needs to get ready—this is the battlefield of tomorrow.”
Preparing for the Future of War
The Army’s investment in the Black Widow drone system is set to equip American soldiers with state-of-the-art tools aimed at bolstering their safety and effectiveness on the battlefield. However, as drone technology continues to redefine modern warfare, it is evident that considerable further investment and innovation will be necessary to maintain a competitive edge in this rapidly evolving domain.
“The future of warfare is here,” Velicovich concluded. “Drones are now an integral part of military strategy, and the U.S. must embrace this reality to remain prepared for the conflicts of the future.”
