Army Seeks $994 Million for Counter-Drone Systems in FY27, Up From $596 Million
Updated
Updated · Breaking Defense · May 15
Army Seeks $994 Million for Counter-Drone Systems in FY27, Up From $596 Million
2 articles · Updated · Breaking Defense · May 15
$994 million in Army procurement funding for small counter-drone systems is requested for FY27, nearly doubling the $596 million enacted for FY26 if Congress approves it.
$414 million would go to operational cUAS batteries, mobile platforms and sensors, while $165 million is earmarked for fixed-site and homeland-defense capabilities tied to base protection.
$132 million for effectors includes plans to buy 800 kinetic systems, 29 non-kinetic systems and 24 Next Generation cUAS Missiles, with another $66 million set aside for two Enduring High Energy Laser systems.
The request reflects the Army's "system of systems" approach and growing pressure to counter cheap drones that have damaged high-value targets in Ukraine and the Iran conflict.
That cost imbalance has sharpened the urgency: PAC-3 interceptors can cost $3 million to $4 million each, versus roughly $4,000 for an Iranian-made Shahed drone.
Can the Army’s new systems truly win the economic battle in future conflicts against cheap, mass-produced drones?
As the Army automates its drone defenses, what new safeguards will prevent AI from making critical errors in combat?
How will agencies balance national security with civilian aviation safety as counter-drone tech moves from battlefields to US cities?
Army’s $994 Million FY27 Counter-Drone Surge: Transforming Air Defense for the Drone Age
Overview
The U.S. Army is making a major shift in its defense strategy by investing heavily in counter-drone (cUAS) capabilities. This move is driven by the realities of modern warfare, where inexpensive, small drones have shown they can destroy expensive military assets, as seen in the Ukraine-Russia war and the Iran conflict. Traditional air defense methods are proving too costly, with advanced interceptors costing millions per shot against drones worth only thousands. As a result, the Army is reorienting its priorities to address these evolving threats, focusing on more effective and affordable solutions to protect its forces and assets.