Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Army Capabilities with Attack Drones

Recent evaluations by the Army have underscored a critical need to bridge the divide between long-range precision weapons and short-range indirect fire systems. This gap has spurred the exploration of attack drones as a viable solution to augment mid-range capabilities, as articulated by General James Mingus, the Army’s Vice Chief of Staff, during a recent engagement at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Innovative Structural Testing

The 25th Infantry Division is pioneering a new tactical structure that integrates first-person view (FPV) attack drones alongside conventional artillery. This innovative approach is designed to modernize the existing fire support framework, recognizing that the single-minded reliance on traditional cannon artillery may no longer suffice.

• Multi-Faceted Artillery Composition: Future artillery units might encompass:
  • High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS)
  • M777 Howitzer battalions
  • A blend of mortars, 105mm artillery, loitering munitions, and FPV drones

General Mingus emphasizes a transformative vision for aerial and ground artillery synergy: a dynamic triad that strategically enhances both range and effectiveness.

Scenario Simulations and Integration Challenges

The Army is actively simulating varied battlefield conditions to test this new configuration. These exercises involve operational models that mimic the complexity of a division or corps-level engagement. Furthermore, these simulations extend to the imminent integration of advanced long-range precision arms, particularly the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), which stands to significantly increase operational reach.

• Significant Implications: Once deployed, PrSM will boast a range of 1,000 kilometers, far surpassing the current Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) with its range of 300 kilometers.

Mingus notes the profound implications this advancement will have on battlefield architecture, enabling U.S. forces to project power in ways previously unattainable. He highlights the Army’s capacity to engage in these strategic evaluations without physically deploying new systems, thus facilitating advanced tactical planning.

Production Readiness and munitions Shortfalls

Despite these advancements, a pressing concern remains regarding munitions production rates. As underscored by emerging global conflicts, including recent engagements in Ukraine and the Middle East, the Army’s current magazine depth is notably inadequate. Essential munitions, including Patriot missiles and Tomahawk cruise missiles, highlight this discrepancy.

Key points of concern include:

• Production capacity: The Army may need to escalate production from 500 to 10,000 Patriot missiles per year during a crisis within a significantly compressed timeline.
• Infrastructure requirements: The military must establish robust supply chains poised for rapid scale-up.

Mingus advocates for automation and robotic solutions as integral to meeting these surging demands, asserting that technology can operate continuously, unlike human resources, which are inherently limited by fatigue and operational hours.

Conclusion

The Army’s ongoing exploration of innovative solutions, such as integrating attack drones into artillery strategies, reflects a proactive approach to modern warfare. As operational landscapes evolve, maintaining an adaptable and responsive munitions production capability will be crucial in ensuring that U.S. forces can effectively respond to threats. This strategic foresight not only enhances readiness but also positions the Army favorably for future engagements.