Drone Dominance is a Department of War program designed to accelerate the development and acquisition of small, low-cost, lethal drones for U.S. military units. Sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of War, it is jointly administered by the Test Resource Management Center and the Defense Innovation Unit. The program aims to strengthen the U.S. industrial base through steady demand, commercial competition, and a challenge-based acquisition model that encourages innovation while driving down costs. Its planned investment is $1 billion over two years, with a goal of purchasing more than 200,000 drones by 2027.

The program runs a series of Gauntlet challenges in which military operators assess small uncrewed aircraft systems in mission scenarios. Successful participants may receive orders to deliver production-quality systems; each phase provides opportunities for vendors to compete, including those not selected in earlier rounds. The program’s activities include industry engagement, testing coordination, prototype contracting, and the publication of acquisition materials.