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Pentagon Orders Fast-Tracked Anti-Drone Weapons Development

By Drooid · Oct 2, 2026, 11:36 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a Pentagon memo prioritizing anti-drone weapons development.
The memo labels delays in fielding counter-unmanned aircraft systems as an operational risk.
It directs the Defense Department to accept prudent risks, fast-track approvals, staff quickly, and standardize processes.
The memo cites Ukraine and U.S. southern-border drone use, including laser attacks on cartel drones this summer.

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Story summary

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a Pentagon memo prioritizing anti-drone weapons development.
The memo labels delays in fielding counter-unmanned aircraft systems as an operational risk.
It directs the Defense Department to accept prudent risks, fast-track approvals, staff quickly, and standardize processes.
The memo cites Ukraine and U.S. southern-border drone use, including laser attacks on cartel drones this summer.