**Drones as Game Changers: Pentagon Aims to Strengthen Defenses Against Evolving Threats**

In light of recent military engagements, particularly by Israel and Ukraine, the U.S. is re-evaluating its defensive capabilities against drone warfare. With creative assaults blurring the lines of traditional conflict, both nations have demonstrated the potential of drones to penetrate deep into enemy territories, prompting a reassessment of U.S. vulnerabilities.

Over the past 18 months, the Pentagon has ramped up its drone defense initiatives following the loss of Army reservists in a militia attack in Jordan. The emergence of techniques such as Operation Spider’s Web, which resulted in significant strikes against Russian assets from Ukrainian-operated drones, underscores a growing concern for American homeland security. In response, defense contractors are offering novel solutions aimed at intercepting drone swarms through advanced technologies, including directed energy systems like high-powered microwaves. This development could lead to substantial investments under the Pentagon's new missile defense program known as "Golden Dome." Recent tests in different theaters have set the stage for a robust counter-drone strategy, reflecting the evolving landscape of modern warfare and the imperative for the U.S. military to keep pace.