The Pentagon is ramping up efforts to enhance protection for critical U.S. installations and forces by focusing on the mass production and deployment of systems to detect, track, and neutralize small drones. This initiative, known as Replicator 2, aims to significantly improve C-sUAS (counter-small unmanned aerial system) protection within the next 24 months once funding is approved by Congress.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin outlined this plan in a recent memorandum, appointing Deputy Kathleen Hicks to lead the new effort. He expressed confidence in the Replicator Initiative’s ability to expand upon the existing C-sUAS work being carried out in the Department of Defense.
The move comes as part of a larger strategy to bolster security against emerging threats posed by small drones, which have increasingly been used for nefarious purposes. By proactively investing in advanced technologies, the Pentagon aims to stay ahead of potential adversaries and safeguard critical assets from unauthorized drone activities.
