The U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services convened on June 5, 2025, to discuss the posture of the Department of the Army in relation to the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program. A significant focus of the meeting was on the evolving challenges of drone warfare and the need for enhanced counter-drone capabilities.

Senator Blumenthal initiated the discussion by expressing concerns about the vulnerability of U.S. military bases to small, lightweight drones, referencing their use in Ukraine and by terrorist groups in the Middle East. He emphasized the urgent need for the U.S. to improve both offensive drone capabilities and defensive measures to protect military installations and cities. Blumenthal noted that current efforts are insufficient and called for a briefing on advancements in drone technology, highlighting the lessons the U.S. could learn from Ukraine's experiences.

In response, Army officials acknowledged the importance of the issue, agreeing that the current status quo is inadequate. They indicated that the Army is actively working to prototype and iterate new technologies, learning from the rapid advancements seen in Ukraine. The officials expressed a commitment to being agile in their approach to drone warfare, emphasizing the need to adapt quickly to the evolving landscape of modern combat.

Senator Schmidt echoed Blumenthal's concerns, commending the Army for its proactive stance compared to the Air Force, which he criticized for being slow to adopt existing technologies. Schmidt inquired about the Army's leadership role in joint efforts to enhance counter-drone strategies across military branches. Army representatives reiterated that addressing drone threats is a collective responsibility and highlighted the necessity for updated legislation and agile funding to keep pace with technological advancements.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the urgency of addressing drone warfare challenges and the need for continued collaboration among military branches. The Army officials expressed their willingness to provide further briefings on ongoing exercises and the deployment of various counter-drone systems, both domestically and internationally. The discussions underscored a shared commitment to enhancing national security in the face of evolving threats from drone technology.