Overview

• Hegseth’s memos allow colonels and captains to independently procure and field Group 1 and 2 unmanned aircraft systems, including 3D-printed prototypes and commercial off-the-shelf models.
• The directives reclassify small drones as expendable munitions, removing them from legacy tracking systems to simplify acquisitions.
• Weapons boards are now required to respond to drone arming requests within 30 days and certify drone batteries within seven days to expedite operational readiness.
• The DoD will partner with the FAA to lift training range restrictions, fast-track spectrum approvals, and establish live-fire and swarm testing zones.
• Advance purchase commitments, direct loans, and supplier preferences will boost domestic drone production in line with President Trump’s manufacturing initiative.