The Pentagon has tapped into the unique and battle-tested drone technology of Ukraine in a bid to enhance the U.S. arsenal. The move is seen as part of the U.S. defense’s plan to update its unmanned aircraft systems and benefit from the on-ground experience that Ukraine, a country engaged in active conflict with Russia, brings to the table.
The Department of Defense has shown an interest in the Ukrainian drone named ‘Bayraktar TB2’, a combat-proven drone utilized by Ukraine in the ongoing war with Russia. As per the defense officials, the drone, operated by ground control and armed with laser-guided missiles, has achieved successful and desirable results on the battleground.
In addition to enriching the U.S. arsenal, acquiring and developing drone technology similar to, or based on, the Ukrainian model could provide the U.S. with a sophisticated weapon that is both reliable and has proven operational capability. This technology will be beneficial for missions that require precision attacks with minimal collateral damage.
For some time now, the Pentagon’s focus has been on advancing their drone technology. According to the bulletin released by the Defense Department, investment in drone technology is seen as a way to maintain and enhance the U.S. armed forces’ effectiveness and ensure they remain at the forefront of the evolving technological landscape. Experts believe the procurement of the Bayraktar TB2 model, given its stellar performance in Ukraine’s conflict, could be a stepping stone towards achieving these goals.
The Pentagon’s venture into looking at foreign-made drones isn’t entirely new. In 2020, it had launched an initiative to explore foreign-made unmanned aircraft systems that could meet U.S. operational requirements. However, the move towards considering the Ukrainian models represents a significant shift, given the prevalent military and geopolitical issues involved.
While no official statement has been released yet regarding the fulfillment of this procurement, the progression in the Pentagon’s approach towards foreign drone technology reflects the changing dynamics of warfare in the 21st century.
Last modified: March 13, 2025
