Air

U.S. Army Tests Autonomous Truck with Drone-Killing Turret and Advances Drone Technology

DEFCROS News

20 Aug 2026 — 2 min read

Image: defence-blog

The U.S. Army is making significant strides in autonomous and drone technology, as evidenced by recent tests and agreements that enhance operational capabilities. On August 18, 2026, the Army showcased an autonomous Ford F-250 equipped with a shotgun-armed turret designed to neutralize drones during live-fire exercises at Fort Bragg. This development aims to protect personnel by keeping engineers out of the blast radius, highlighting a shift towards unmanned systems in combat scenarios.

Endurance Record for Domestic Drone Motors

In a separate advancement, a small drone powered by motors assembled at Tobyhanna Army Depot in Pennsylvania achieved an impressive endurance record, flying for eight hours, 41 minutes, and 43 seconds during a July demonstration at Edwards Air Force Base, California. This feat not only sets a new benchmark for small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) but also underscores the Army's commitment to utilizing domestically produced components in its drone programs.

New Microwave Weapon to Combat Drone Threats

The U.S. Army has taken a proactive approach to counter drone threats by awarding ThinKom Solutions a $49 million Other Transaction Agreement. This deal will support the development and testing of a mobile high-power microwave weapon designed specifically to target and disable drones. The Army’s Program Manager for Advanced Technologies issued this agreement, reflecting a strategic focus on addressing the evolving landscape of aerial threats.

Autonomous Systems: The Ford F-250's turret showcases the Army's drive towards reducing risk to personnel.
Endurance Achievement: The drone's flight time emphasizes the advantages of using domestic technology.
Investment in Defense: The $49 million agreement with ThinKom illustrates a commitment to innovative weaponry.

In a broader context, Mexico is set to enhance its defense capabilities through a new agreement that provides access to the U.S. Army's drone technology marketplace. This development will allow the Mexican Ministry of National Defense to procure American drone technology, signaling a potential shift in regional defense dynamics and collaboration.

These initiatives reflect the U.S. Army's ongoing investment in advanced technologies to maintain a tactical edge in modern warfare, particularly concerning drone operations and autonomous systems.

Sources: Defence-Blog, Thedefensepost, Military Embedded Systems, Unmanned Systems Technology, The Defense Post, and AOL.com

Edited by Daniel Vazdar, Editor. How DEFCROS News reports, sources and corrects.

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