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Liberty Caller Editorial Team

MASSIVE Defense Bill PASSES – $150B!

Congress proposes a game-changing $150 billion defense bill that could revolutionize U.S. military drone capabilities while China rapidly deploys small unmanned systems across the battlefield.

At a Glance

  • A proposed $150 billion defense reconciliation bill allocates significant funding for drone and unmanned systems development
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth mandates unmanned systems in every Army division by 2026
  • The bill includes $1 billion for one-way attack drones and $1.1 billion for small UAS industrial base expansion
  • Over $1.3 billion is directed toward counter-drone technologies as installations reported 350+ drone detections last year
  • $1.5 billion in credit subsidies could unlock up to $200 billion in loans for defense projects, potentially benefiting drone manufacturers

Major Defense Bill Signals Drone Warfare Revolution

The House and Senate Armed Services Committees have proposed an unprecedented $150 billion defense reconciliation bill with substantial focus on drone technology and unmanned systems. This landmark legislation aims to strengthen America’s defense industrial base, particularly confronting rising challenges in the Indo-Pacific region where China has been rapidly advancing its own unmanned capabilities. The bill strategically bypasses the Senate filibuster process, reflecting the urgency lawmakers place on military modernization efforts.

Representative Mike Rogers characterized the legislation as “a historic investment of $150 billion to restore America’s military capabilities and strengthen our national defense.” The bill’s extensive drone funding recognizes the changing nature of warfare, where unmanned systems increasingly dominate battlefields from Ukraine to the Middle East. This shift represents one of the most significant changes in military doctrine since the introduction of precision-guided munitions.

Billions Allocated Across Drone Categories

The funding breakdown reveals a comprehensive approach to unmanned systems development. The bill allocates $1 billion specifically for expanding the one-way attack UAS industrial base – the kamikaze-style drones that have proven devastatingly effective in Ukraine. An additional $50 million is directed toward advancing autonomy capabilities in these one-way attack systems, allowing them to operate with less human input in contested environments where communications may be degraded.

“This represents major wins for the uncrewed, autonomy, and robotics industry,” said Michael Robbins of AUVSI, calling the initiative an “Uncrewed Arsenal of Democracy.”

Small unmanned aerial systems (s-UAS) receive substantial attention with $1.1 billion dedicated to expanding their industrial base. These highly portable, soldier-deployed drones provide critical battlefield awareness and have become essential tools for frontline units. The funding indicates a strategic shift toward equipping more units with these systems while ensuring domestic manufacturing capabilities can meet increasing demand.

Counter-Drone Technology Gets Priority Funding

Recognizing the growing threat from adversary drones, the bill allocates substantial resources to counter-UAS technologies. With $500 million for general counter-UAS systems, $350 million for non-kinetic approaches like electronic warfare, $250 million for land-based systems, and $200 million for ship-based defenses, the legislation creates a layered approach to drone defense. This investment comes after military installations reported over 350 unauthorized drone detections last year.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s recent Army transformation memo reinforces this drone-centric approach, mandating unmanned systems integration in every Army division by 2026. The memo further calls for reducing the number of manned attack helicopters in favor of drone swarms, signaling a fundamental shift in how the Army approaches aerial combat operations. This transformation reflects lessons learned from recent conflicts where expensive manned platforms have proven vulnerable to low-cost drone attacks.

Financial Mechanisms To Sustain Innovation

Beyond direct appropriations, the bill includes $1.5 billion in credit subsidies that could authorize up to $200 billion in loans and guarantees for defense projects. This financial mechanism could prove particularly valuable for drone manufacturers and related technology companies, creating sustained innovation pathways as private investment in the commercial drone sector has slowed. The approach aims to ensure America doesn’t fall behind China, which has rapidly deployed small drones across its military.

“This represents a historic investment of $150 billion to restore America’s military capabilities and strengthen our national defense,” noted Rep. Mike Rogers about the comprehensive funding package.

While focused on military applications, industry analysts expect these investments to accelerate advancements that will eventually benefit logistics, infrastructure inspection, and public safety applications. The historical pattern of defense technologies transitioning to commercial markets suggests this military-focused bill could ultimately strengthen America’s position in the global commercial drone market as well, creating dual benefits for national security and economic competitiveness.

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