Pete Hegseth is ramping up the US military’s drone capabilities after warning America’s enemies had a “head start” in the technology.

The US defence secretary claimed his department’s “bureaucratic gloves are coming off” as he ordered drone production to be fast-tracked.

Commanders will be allowed to procure and test drones – including 3D-printed prototypes – independently without requiring prior approval, according to memos obtained by Fox News.

Drones have become an integral part of modern warfare, with inexpensive models reshaping the battlefield and being used for everything from reconnaissance to assassinations to bombing campaigns.