Here’s how the Army plans to spend nearly $1 billion in procuring small counter drone tech

Key Points:

• The Army's fiscal 2027 budget request includes nearly $1 billion in procurement funding for small counter unmanned aerial system (cUAS) technology, almost double the FY26 enacted budget amount.
• The requested $994 million is fully discretionary funding, compared to FY26's $596 million which combined discretionary and mandatory funds.
• The Army plans a "systems of systems" approach for small cUAS, covering expeditionary/mobile platforms, sensors, effectors, electronic warfare, and interoperable fire control systems.
• Major budget allocations include $414 million for operational capabilities, $165 million for fixed site/base defense, $132 million for kinetic and non-kinetic effectors, and $108 million for squad- and soldier-level systems.
• Additional funding targets directed energy systems ($66 million), expeditionary and mobile launchers ($24 million), and logistics support for existing Family of Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems programs (~$5 million).