In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Garrett Butts reveals that his unit has developed drones internally to cut costs and avoid bureaucratic delays. This in-house innovation is designed to speed up deployment and enhance operational efficiency. Butts highlights that the initiative allows them to respond more quickly to military challenges, improving readiness and reducing financial burden.
Butts explains that traditional procurement processes often involve lengthy reviews and approvals, which can delay critical operations. By building drones in-house, his unit can tailor the technology to specific missions, ensuring greater adaptability and effectiveness. He emphasizes that this approach not only saves money but also allows for quicker iterations based on real-time feedback from the field.
The initiative is part of a broader trend within the military to adopt more agile and cost-effective solutions. While the Defense Department has expressed interest in such innovations, there are ongoing discussions about balancing rapid deployment with ensuring operational security and compliance with regulatory standards. Butts acknowledges the challenges but remains optimistic about the unit’s ability to drive meaningful change through technological adaptation.