‘Eyes in the sky’: Army drone expert explains US strategy on innovation as global conflict looms
Share this @internewscast.com

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

As the war between Israel and Iran intensifies, one Army drone expert is warning that the U.S. must stay ready, and fast. 

Staff Sgt. Garrett Butts is helping lead the charge by building smarter, cheaper unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in-house for the battlefield.

In an exclusive conversation with Fox News Digital on Tuesday, Butts shared details about how his team is innovating by developing drone technology from the ground up. This often involves acquiring components, a process that can take up to a year to complete legally.

“We function as a transformation and contact unit,” explained Butts, a member of the 1st Cavalry Division. “Our mission is to internally design our own SUAS (small unmanned aircraft systems) to reduce the costs and time associated with procurement.”

U.S. Soldier holds a drone

A soldier holds a drone in the Pentagon parking lot on June 14, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

Since his team is focused on preparing soldiers to handle drone threats, they required special permissions to purchase components similar to those used by adversaries. Butts noted that drones provide U.S. troops with a significant edge, as they allow infantry units to survey areas beyond obstacles.

“Put a camera up, look at the objective or look over an obstacle… to ensure their safety,” he said. “Those are the biggest winning factors of our SUAS systems.”

However, it is not just about seeing. Drones can also be armed to deliver targeted strikes.

“You can arm some of these systems and basically create a cost-effective precision-guided munition,” he said. “At a fraction of the cost.”

Butts’s team is involved in “Pegasus Charge,” a new Army effort to test future tactics and technology for heavy combat units. “We are going to innovate, experiment, test and develop different tactics, techniques and procedures,” Butts explained.

His team is trying out in-house ideas and will look to privatized industry for more advanced options once funding is available.

A soldier holds a drone in the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary parade

A soldier holds a drone in the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary parade on Constitution Avenue, NW, which is also President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

After training for nine months in Poland and Germany, Butts and his team returned with new strategies for using drones in real-world situations. He believes the Army must work closely with industry to get the best tools quickly. Butts also sees artificial intelligence playing a big role. Right now, drone operators need advanced navigation training, which takes time and is hard to maintain.

“If we’re able to integrate AI solutions that could mitigate for that training or replace that training, that would be a huge step in the right direction,” he said.

Butts said working on cutting-edge technology has been a meaningful experience.

“Being at the forefront of it is pretty incredible,” he said. “Watching how the technology is evolving in front of your eyes… it really sparks ingenuity.”

He did not plan on staying in the Army, but a chance offer to become a drone operator changed his path.

Now, as the Army celebrates its 250th birthday and the world watches rising conflict, Butts said he sees real momentum.

“Our military is innovating,” he said. “And it’s truly incredible to watch.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Trump hosts West African leaders from Liberia, Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania and Guinea-Bissa amid sweeping US aid cuts

Trump Welcomes West African Leaders Amid Broad US Aid Reductions

U.S. President Donald Trump is welcoming five West African leaders to the…
Mugshot of a young woman.

17-Year-Old Girl Turns Herself In for Alleged Murder of Mom and Stepdad, Shot Three Months Ago

A TEENAGER in Georgia has been arrested and charged with the murder…
Photo of Andrea Russo.

“Plane Passengers Advised Not to Look Outside After 35-Year-Old Builder Pulled Into Engine Following Loud Noise”

PASSENGERS on the plane which killed a man when he was sucked…
Abby Elliott “Couldn’t Hold Her Disdain” As ‘The Valley’s Jesse Lally Shaded His Ex-Wife Michelle Saniei On ‘WWHL’: “That’s Not Gonna Go Over Well”

Abby Elliott Expressed Disgust When ‘The Valley’ Star Jesse Lally Criticized Ex-Wife Michelle Saniei on ‘WWHL’: “This Won’t End Well”

If there’s one thing Jesse Lally is going to do, it’s shade…
ER visits after tick bites surge in 2025 to highest since 2019

Record High: ER Visits for Tick Bites Peak in 2025, Surpassing 2019 Levels

While tick bites increase every summer, with another small spike in the…
Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Melania Trump at a state funeral.

Revealed: The Surprising Truth Behind the Amusing Exchange Between Trump and Obama at Jimmy Carter’s Funeral

THE truth behind President Donald Trump and rival Barack Obama’s cheery conversation…
X CEO Linda Yaccarino resigns from social media platform after 2 years

Linda Yaccarino Steps Down as CEO of Social Media Company After Two-Year Tenure

Musk hired Yaccarino, a veteran ad executive, in May 2023 buying Twitter…
Relationship expert shares the key to a happy relationship

Expert Reveals the Secret to a Happy Relationship

The couples that clean together, stay together. A relationship counselor suggests that…
A wing-in-ground effect vehicle on the water.

China’s New Giant “Sea Monster” Warplane Unveiled – A Nod to Cold War Soviet Technology

CHILLING pictures have emerged showing China’s terrifying new giant “sea monster” warplane…
Five helicopters needed to save injured solo climber on California's second-highest peak

Five Helicopters Deployed to Rescue Injured Solo Climber on California’s Second-Highest Peak

A complex high-altitude rescue operation, which included several agencies and five helicopters,…
Notorious 'Hillside Strangler' seeks freedom after decades behind bars despite expert warnings

Infamous ‘Hillside Strangler’ Requests Release After Years of Imprisonment Despite Expert Concerns

One of the infamous “Hillside Stranglers” was recently evaluated for possible parole…
Blue city resident vows to keep pro-Trump political displays on home despite second shooting attack

Blue Town Resident Resolute to Maintain Pro-Trump Displays at Home After Second Shooting Incident

A woman in Washington state has decided to set up a security…