Attack of the drones - Today, Explained Recap

Podcast: Today, Explained

Published: 2026-03-23T18:00:00.000Z

Duration: 1566

Guests: Michael Horowitz, Josh Keating

What Happened

Iran's use of drones has significantly impacted the way wars are fought, with these drones being used as substitutes for cruise missiles. They are capable of precise targeting, similar to the U.S. Tomahawk missile, and have been used to target American air defense radars, government buildings, and critical infrastructure like oil and gas facilities.

The cost of intercepting these drones poses a challenge for the U.S. Each interceptor can cost between $500,000 and $4 million, while the Iranian drones are much cheaper. This cost discrepancy could strain U.S. resources, especially when Iran can launch a large number of drones.

Iran has thousands of these drones and continues to produce them despite U.S. and Israeli efforts to destroy their manufacturing capabilities. The ability to produce drones at scale gives Iran a strategic advantage, allowing them to sustain prolonged engagements.

The U.S. military's reliance on high-cost, high-quality equipment might not be sustainable in the face of Iran's strategy. The U.S. is exploring more cost-effective defenses, as seen in Ukraine, where cheaper drones and anti-aircraft guns are used to counter similar threats.

Michael Horowitz emphasizes the need for the U.S. to adopt a high-low mix of military systems, combining advanced technology with cheaper, disposable systems. This shift is necessary to maintain military effectiveness in a world where mass-produced, precise weapons are becoming common.

The widespread use of one-way attack drones marks a significant change in warfare, similar to the introduction of the machine gun and tank in past conflicts. These drones are now a staple in military arsenals, influencing how future wars will be fought.

Key Insights

• Iran's drones serve as cost-effective substitutes for cruise missiles, capable of precise targeting similar to the U.S. Tomahawk missile.
• Intercepting Iranian drones is costly for the U.S., with each interceptor costing up to $4 million, while Iranian drones are significantly cheaper.
• Despite U.S. efforts to destroy drone manufacturing facilities, Iran continues to produce thousands of drones, maintaining its strategic advantage.
• The U.S. military is urged to adopt a high-low mix of systems to counter mass-produced, precise weapons effectively, combining high-tech and low-cost solutions.