U.S. military boosts drone budget after adversary reports

The Pentagon is requesting approximately $55 billion for drone and autonomous warfare programs in its fiscal year 2027 budget. The request follows reports that cheap drones have been able to overwhelm more expensive defense systems in recent conflicts.

Officials have noted that U.S. air defense systems protect certain overseas locations more effectively than some domestic areas near Cuba. Cuba is located less than 90 miles from Florida, where more than 20 U.S. military bases are located. The Trump administration has held talks with Cuba as part of efforts to address conditions in that country.

Questions have been raised about whether adversaries could position drones on the island.

Reports indicate that China and Russia are developing larger carrier drones capable of launching smaller attack drones during flight. Such systems could extend the range of attacks toward the United States.

The Trump administration has increased funding for drone technology and is pursuing accelerated development programs. Officials have stated that effective countermeasures and modernized unmanned systems are priorities. "The United States military must become the preeminent drone-fighting force in the world." — Douglas MacKinnon (Fox News)