The U.S. military's established assumptions about technological superiority and battlefield dominance are being challenged by the realities of modern conflict, as seen in Ukraine and Iran. Christian Brose, chief strategy officer at defense tech firm Anduril, argues that legacy systems are ill-suited for an era of pervasive drones and autonomous weapons. This shift demands a production-based approach to warfare, not just platform acquisition.

Conflicts like the one in Ukraine demonstrate a battlefield where drones and robots have fundamentally altered combat. Brose points to the widespread use of affordable, one-way attack drones, which have become critical for identifying and striking targets. This contrasts sharply with the U.S. military's historical focus on expensive, high-end platforms that are now vulnerable and unsustainable in prolonged engagements.

This evolving warfare necessitates a pivot towards lower-cost, adaptable systems that mirror commercial technology, a domain where companies like Anduril are innovating. The U.S. must prepare for a more contested environment where attrition and production capacity will be paramount. Failing to adapt means risking obsolescence against adversaries who are rapidly embracing these new technologies.