With new DAWG initiative, the DOD is attempting to fix a historically slow-moving, broken acquisition pipeline.
An unmanned aerial system demonstration at Tough Stump Training Ground, North Carolina, March 30, 2026.
U.S. Army / Capt. Leara Shumate
Defense Industry Analyst, Forecast International
May 22, 2026 02:59 PM ET
Commentary
As new drone startups proliferate, Pentagon and military leaders outline their priorities for building “drone dominance."
Budget outlines funding for autonomous drone warfare program as experts say military unprepared for risks
“War Force” of young two-year recruits will get access to “policymaking and national-scale impact,” according to the announcement.
Perennial Autonomy wins a $500M Army contract for cheap counter-drone systems, while AeroVironment lands a matching deal as…
Seeing the threat of Chinese components and the expansion of drone warfare, the Pentagon is pushing to catch up.
The Pentagon awarded Perennial Autonomy a $500 million contract to accelerate procurement of counter-drone technology.
