Innovations

Tactical and technological innovations in drone warfare — what showed up first, where, and what it changes. Each entry is sourced, dated, and linked to the drones involved.

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doctrinenatofirst seen 2024-01-01

US Navy seeks new defenses for SSBNs vs drones, mines and ATGMs in port/transit

The article describes the US Navy Strategic Systems Program launching a broad search for prototype technologies and new protection concepts to defend ballistic-missile submarines and supporting infrastructure from drones/USVs, mines, and sh

doctrinenatofirst seen 2026-06-29

Pentagon centralizes unmanned systems under new DRPM-UxS office

The US DoD is creating a new direct-reporting portfolio manager (DRPM-UxS) to centrally integrate, fund-shift, and gate unmanned/autonomous systems and counter-drone programs across air/ground/sea domains. While not a battlefield gadget, th

doctrinenatofirst seen 2024-01-01

UK defense plan shifts toward cheap drones and unmanned command ships

The post describes the UK adopting a Ukraine-modeled approach: rapid innovation cycles and emphasis on low-cost systems to destroy high-value targets. It also highlights planned investment in unmanned-focused naval command ships, autonomous

doctrineotherfirst seen 2023-01-01

Proposal for a distinct maritime Anti-Drone Warfare tier for Shahed-class threats

The article argues for a new three-tier air-defence/anti-drone framework that treats long-range one-way attack drones (e.g., Shahed-136 class) as a distinct operational domain requiring purpose-built sensors, effectors, and maritime platfor

doctrinenatofirst seen 2024-01-01

US considers hardening and relocating Middle East bases after Iranian strikes

The post claims repeated Iranian missile/drone attacks on the US Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain caused heavier damage than publicly acknowledged, prompting discussion of new basing concepts: moving command posts underground, reducing forward p

doctrinenatofirst seen 2025-04-01

Pentagon updates JP 3-60 doctrine to expand AI role in targeting

The post claims the US DoD quietly revised Joint Publication JP 3-60 (Joint Targeting) to add guidance on using AI in targeting and strike decision processes, allowing AI to initiate certain actions under human control. It also cites a foll

doctrinenatofirst seen 2022-08-01

NATO drills F-35B highway ops with FARP in Finland (Ramstein Flag 2026)

The post describes NATO practicing dispersed basing/Agile Combat Employment by operating USMC F-35B from Finnish highways supported by forward arming and refueling points (FARP). While the concept exists, the notable element is exercising i

doctrinerussiafirst seen 2024-01-01

Russian fiber-optic FPV and counter-drone ops tied to certified pilot training

The post describes an organizational/doctrinal approach: fiber-optic FPV drones require retraining even for experienced FPV pilots, so distribution is restricted to units with certified operators trained by the project team. It also highlig

doctrinenatofirst seen 2023-01-01

US Army stands up Indo-Pacific Multi-Domain Command with Cross Domain Contact Layer

The US Army created a new Indo-Pacific multi-domain command structure that merges Stryker formations with cyber, space, unmanned systems and electronic warfare under a single headquarters. Central is the proposed Cross Domain Contact Layer

doctrineukrainefirst seen 2026-06-01

Ukraine expands NCO corps and Mission Command principles through 2027 plan

Ukraine’s General Staff approved a multi-year plan (to end-2027) to expand and professionalize the NCO/sergeant corps, including drill sergeant roles, more NCO billets in staffs, and clearer division of responsibilities between officers and