Pentagon Expands Drone Capabilities with New Purchases for Replicator Program and F-35-Compatible CCAs by August 2025

Nov 17, 2024, 07:12 PM

The Pentagon is significantly increasing its drone capabilities as part of its Replicator program, which aims to deploy thousands of autonomous systems by August 2025. This initiative includes the acquisition of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs), designed to operate alongside advanced fighters such as the F-35. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks announced that a new batch of drones, including models currently utilized in Ukraine against Russian forces, will enhance this effort. The U.S. Air Force is also expanding its experimentation unit by ordering additional prototype drones for the CCAs, reflecting a strategic shift towards integrating robotic systems into military operations to ensure the safety of U.S. troops amid rising threats from adversary drones.