U.S. Department of War launches Drone Dominance Program with 25-vendor trials, targeting 340,000 drones by 2028

U.S. Department of War/Drone Dominance Program

The U.S. Army launched the Drone Dominance Program, a $1.1 billion procurement effort to buy cheap one-way attack drones from multiple vendors. Gauntlet trials in February and March 2026 evaluated 25 competing designs. The goal is to acquire approximately 340,000 drones by January 2028, reflecting a strategic shift toward affordable, expendable platforms over costly, reusable systems.

• $1.1 billion budget split into four procurement phases, with multiple vendors competing for contracts
• 25 vendors participated in Gauntlet trials to demonstrate production speed and drone capabilities
• Target of 340,000 drones by January 2028 requires production rate of 15,000+ drones per month across vendors
• Program reflects lesson learned in Ukraine: low-cost loitering munitions are critical to sustained attrition warfare