The U.S. Department of Defense is moving forward with plans to mass-produce a low-cost attack drone that proved highly effective during recent military operations against Iran.
According to people familiar with the matter, the Pentagon aims to rapidly scale up production of the drone, which demonstrated strong performance in precision strikes and high survivability in contested environments.
The drone’s key advantage lies in its relatively low cost combined with its ability to conduct high-risk missions without putting pilots in danger. The Pentagon is now in discussions with defense contractors to significantly increase output to build a larger inventory for potential future conflicts.
A defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “We saw the real-world value of this system in the Iran campaign. It can perform dangerous missions effectively while minimizing risk to personnel and high-value assets. It’s time to scale this capability.”
Analysts note that the move reflects a broader shift in U.S. military strategy toward using large numbers of affordable, attritable unmanned systems alongside traditional manned aircraft — especially in environments with dense air defenses.
Specific budget figures and final production targets have not yet been disclosed, but the program has been designated as a priority. Deliveries of the expanded production run are expected to begin within the next 12 to 18 months.
The initiative is seen as part of the Pentagon’s long-term preparation for great-power competition and high-intensity regional conflicts.