WHY THIS MATTERS IN BRIEF
As the future of warfare becomes drone centric the Pentagon is now focusing on massive counter drone-swarm initiatives.
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As drone warfare becomes the norm many in the US are concerned that their ability to out compete China in manufacturing thousands of drones for combat could cost them dearly which is why a year or so ago the Pentagon launched the drone Replicator program. Now though, as that program ramps up the Pentagon has decided to shift its focus to another pressing concern for modern warfare: countering small uncrewed aerial systems (C-sUAS).
According to recent announcements from Department of Defense (DoD) leadership, the second phase of the Replicator initiative, known as Replicator 2, will tackle the growing threat posed by hostile drones. This move comes after several months of assessment to determine the next priority for the rapid fielding program, with plans to request funding in the fiscal 2026 budget.
In a memorandum released to senior Pentagon leaders, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized that countering the threat posed by small drones is critical for protecting key US military installations. “Replicator 2 will tackle the warfighter priority of countering the threat posed by small uncrewed aerial systems to our most critical installations and force concentrations,” Austin stated. He added that he expects “meaningfully improved C-sUAS protection to critical assets within 24 months of Congress approving funding.”
The decision to focus on C-sUAS follows a thorough review of operational needs and emerging threats. Recent conflicts, including those in Ukraine and the Middle East, have highlighted the increasing use of drones by hostile forces. According to a June 13 report from the Defense Intelligence Agency, 65 countries and 29 major energy and shipping companies have had to change their operations due to attacks involving drones, uncrewed surface vessels, and other weapons.
Replicator 2 will leverage the work already underway in the DoD’s ongoing counter-drone programs. Led by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), the initiative will build upon existing technologies aimed at countering small drones, such as electronic warfare systems and kinetic weapons. These efforts are expected to speed up the deployment of C-sUAS solutions, allowing the US military to field these capabilities faster and in larger numbers.
Austin emphasized that Replicator 2 will help address various challenges in this area, including “production capacity, technology innovation, authorities, policies, open system architecture and system integration, and force structure.”
The initiative will involve close collaboration between DIU, the military services, and key leaders in the Pentagon, such as the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, who serves as the department’s C-sUAS principal staff assistant.
While the focus of Replicator 2 is new, it follows the framework established by Replicator 1, which centered on delivering low-cost, attritable drones to the military. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks, who has championed the Replicator initiative, explained that the program’s goal is to create a faster, more flexible acquisition pathway for high-need capabilities. Replicator 1, for example, aims to provide thousands of combat ready drones by next summer, with a total of $1 billion allocated for fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
Replicator 2’s focus on C-sUAS is a response to the immediate operational demands faced by the US military. As Hicks noted in an earlier interview “we need to protect against growing threats posed by enemy drones.” The Pentagon’s layered approach to defense against drones will ensure that a wide range of capabilities are developed and deployed, providing comprehensive protection to US forces.
The Pentagon’s Replicator 2 initiative is poised to significantly enhance the US military’s ability to counter the rising threat of small uncrewed aerial systems. With a clear plan to field improved C-sUAS capabilities within 24 months of receiving congressional approval, the initiative represents a major step forward in force protection efforts. By leveraging existing technologies and accelerating development timelines, the Replicator program aims to ensure the U.S. remains prepared to counter the evolving threat landscape.
