The conflict in Iran has highlighted the growing impact of drones and low-cost missiles on modern warfare, shifting strategic leverage toward smaller or less technologically advanced forces. In response, the U.S. Army has taken steps to enhance its counter-drone capabilities, according to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll during a recent appearance before Congress.

Driscoll outlined efforts to streamline the Pentagon’s acquisition process, which previously involved a cumbersome 16-step decision-making chain with multiple potential veto points. This restructuring consolidates procurement authority and accountability under a single official, allowing for more rapid deployment of new technologies. As a result, the Army was able to purchase approximately 13,000 Merops counter-drone systems within about eight days of the onset of the Iran conflict. While specific technical details on Merops remain limited, the systems incorporate artificial intelligence as a key component.

Although the quantity of 13,000 systems is modest in the context of drone warfare, these units are currently priced at around $15,000 each, with expectations that costs will fall below $10,000 as production scales up. This contrasts favorably with the cost of Iranian Shahed drones, which range between $30,000 and $50,000 each, indicating a favorable cost exchange ratio for U.S. forces. Driscoll emphasized the significance of this parity, noting that being able to neutralize drone threats at a lower price point shifts the economics of conflict to the U.S. advantage.

The Pentagon’s accelerated procurement of counter-drone technology comes amid broader efforts to reform military acquisition processes initiated under the Trump administration. These reforms aim to overcome bureaucratic inertia and foster agility in adopting emerging technologies. Senate GOP member Roger Wicker underscored the need for a “crash program” to develop a diversified arsenal of munitions—combining both high-end offensive weapons and affordable interceptors. Wicker observed that current efforts to boost munitions production focus largely on advanced systems like Patriot and Tomahawk missiles, while fewer than 3% of accelerated manufacturing efforts target low-cost munitions.

Driscoll also pointed to valuable lessons learned from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which he said could enhance U.S. military preparedness. The experience gained from countering Russian drone and missile tactics may help save American lives in future engagements.

While the U.S. is making titled headway in counter-drone capabilities, planners acknowledge that expanding production and refining technology remain critical challenges. Nonetheless, the recent procurement efforts represent a meaningful step toward addressing the evolving drone threat landscape.