Large-scale reform: The US is giving up armoured vehicles for thousands of drones for the army

The US Army has launched a large-scale modernisation programme focused on the massive introduction of drones instead of traditional armoured vehicles. This decision was made after learning the lessons of Russia's war against Ukraine.

Here's What We Know

According to The Wall Street Journal, the Pentagon plans to re-equip at least 10 army divisions with the latest unmanned systems that will provide reconnaissance, strikes and ammunition logistics on the battlefield. Each division will receive about 1,000 drones.

Colonel Donald Neal, commander of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, stressed that the US military has always had drones, but now the army must learn not only to use them effectively, but also on a large scale. According to Daniel Driscoll, a defence ministry official, the first three brigades have already received some of the new drones, and the transformation of the rest is scheduled to be completed within two years.

Modern army units are still using a limited number of reconnaissance drones from a decade ago. At the same time, the new programme involves not only rearmament but also the digitalisation of the army. This includes the integration of smartphones, tablets, and Internet-based combat information systems.

Separately, the US Army is investing $3 billion in the development of means to counter enemy drones, including electronic warfare and interception systems.

The total cost of the modernisation, which will cover a five-year period, will be $36 billion. Defence Secretary Pete Hagel has already signed the relevant directive. The money is to be raised without increasing the budget - by refusing to purchase outdated equipment, such as HMMWVs and JLTVs.

"We are not going to ask for more money. We want to make better use of the money we have," said Army Chief of Staff Randy George.

Source: The Wall Street Journal