US Ramps Up Drone Warfare, Fires Improved Iranian Weapons Back at Iran

Three men tasked with ramping up American drone capabilities told senators they are making progress but face rapidly evolving challenges.

A U.S. intelligence specialist activates a small unmanned aerial system during a simulated assault and seizure at Glen Airfield, Australia, on July 5, 2025. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola

Just days after the United States fired a one-way attack drone for the first time in combat, a Senate committee on March 5 highlighted an urgent need to increase military unmanned vehicle production, training, and use.

“This issue has profound implications for both our warfighting readiness and our future prosperity,“ said Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services. ”I’m not really sure Americans understand that fully yet.”