U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued a comprehensive directive to accelerate the production and deployment of military drones, aiming to establish American dominance in drone technology. The directive eliminates regulatory restrictions that previously hindered drone manufacturing and allows military commanders to independently purchase, test, and arm drones, including 3D-printed models. Hegseth emphasized the strategic importance of drones, citing their impact on modern warfare as demonstrated in conflicts involving Ukraine and Israel. The Pentagon plans to equip every Army squad with small drones by 2026 and to mass-produce thousands of inexpensive, domestically made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This initiative is part of a broader effort to overhaul the Pentagon’s procurement system and integrate drones as a cornerstone of national defense, while also creating American jobs in drone technology production. Concurrently, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has called on the White House to address the risks posed by drone attacks on U.S. soil, highlighting concerns about drone threats to major events such as the upcoming World Cup and Olympics. Congressional hearings have also underscored the growing homeland security threat from unauthorized and potentially weaponized drones, with experts urging swift policy action to counter these risks.