Pentagon's Replicator Drone Program Shoots Off

The Bottom Line Upfront

The Deputy Defense Secretary announced the start of delivering Replicator drones to operators in the Pacific, aiming for tens of thousands by 2025.

The Breakdown

• The rapid deployment of these drones could help deter Chinese aggression and reshape how the Department of Defense acquires technology.
  
• The program aims to provide various low-cost land, air, and sea drones.
  
• The first batch includes AeroVironment’s Switchblade 600.
  
• Deputy Defense Secretary highlighted that this breakthrough marks "warfighter-centric innovation."
  
• The Pentagon remains secretive about specific drone capabilities deployed under this program.