U.S. Department of War Delivers 25,000 Drone Systems to CENTCOM

The United States Department of War delivered more than 25,000 drone and counter-drone systems to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in 2026. This $782 million investment includes 24,000 counter-unmanned aerial systems designed to create a multi-layered defensive shield, 1,300 one-way attack drones, and over 100 unmanned surface and underwater vessels.

The surge follows a September directive from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to remove procurement barriers and accelerate the fielding of autonomous technology. Managed by the Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Unmanned Systems (DRPM-UxS), the initiative signals a transition toward a Warfighting Acquisition model. This effort supports the planned establishment of the Autonomous Warfare Command by October 2027.

To sustain these capabilities, the Pentagon awarded a $6.9 million contract to CHAOS 1, Inc. for Vanquish Prime radar systems and signed a framework agreement with BAE Systems to produce up to 25,000 interceptor kits annually for seven years. The delivery process was supported by the Joint Interagency Task Force 401, which was created in August 2025 to manage counter-drone threats.