On December 2, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III signed a classified Strategy for Countering Unmanned Systems. This strategy aims to unify the Department of Defense's approach to addressing threats posed by unmanned systems across various domains and timeframes.

Unmanned systems, particularly drones, present significant risks to U.S. personnel, facilities, and assets both overseas and increasingly within the U.S. homeland. These threats are altering traditional warfare methods. The newly developed strategy seeks to create a common understanding of these challenges and establish a unified approach to address them.

The strategy builds on existing Department of Defense initiatives such as the Joint Counter-Small UAS Office, the Warfighter Senior Integration Group for urgent operational needs, and the Replicator 2 initiative aimed at defending critical installations from small aerial system threats. The designation of NORTHCOM and INDOPACOM Commanders as lead synchronizers for counter-UAS operations in the homeland further ensures a coordinated response.

Secretary Austin emphasized that "In recent years, adversary unmanned systems have evolved rapidly. These cheap systems are increasingly changing the battlefield, threatening U.S. installations, and wounding or killing our troops." He directed the swift development of this comprehensive strategy to counter current and future threats posed by unmanned systems.

Austin acknowledged that while addressing immediate concerns is crucial, it is equally important to anticipate future threats due to rapid advancements in unmanned capabilities. He stated that "Drones and other unmanned systems will increasingly transform the security environment," highlighting the need for adaptability in military strategies.

The Department of Defense has made available an unclassified fact sheet detailing aspects of this new strategy for public viewing.