Regulations and Government
Pentagon Budget Pursues 'Arsenal Plane,' Swarming Drones
The arsenal plane is one of the R&D efforts being pursued by the Pentagon's Strategic Capabilities Office, said Defense Secretary Ash Carter.
An electromagnetic railgun, capable of firing projectiles at 4,500 mph, was displayed last year in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Bill Carey)
An electromagnetic railgun, capable of firing projectiles at 4,500 mph, was displayed last year in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Bill Carey)

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) will seek a $582.7 billion Fiscal Year 2017 budget that includes research and development spending on a new “arsenal plane,” swarming autonomous micro drones, and “gun-based” missile defense. A week ahead of its release by the Obama administration, Defense Secretary Ash Carter provided a sketch of the budget on February 2 during a speech in Washington, D.C.