The U.S. Army is taking significant steps to modernize its unmanned aerial systems (UAS) by preparing to phase out its MQ-1C Gray Eagle and RQ-7B Shadow aircraft. This move is part of the broader Army Transformation Initiative aimed at introducing more advanced autonomous aircraft into the force. Recent decisions have already halted further procurement of the Gray Eagle and scrapped the Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System (FTUAS) competition designed to replace the decommissioned Shadow.
Col. Nick Ryan, Director of the Army UAS Capability Manager Office, emphasized the Army’s plans to distribute newer aircraft models across dedicated units while maintaining their operational capabilities. The strategy includes keeping upgraded versions of the new Gray Eagle in service, while older models are slated for retirement around fiscal 2028.
The Army is looking to replace its current platforms with Group 4 or Group 5 UAS, which offer enhanced capabilities such as short or vertical takeoff and landing, negating the need for traditional runways. Group 4 UAS, as classified by the Department of Defense, are defined as weighing over 1,320 pounds and capable of flying up to 18,000 feet. These systems are intended for medium- to long-endurance missions. On the other hand, Group 5 UAS represent the largest category of drones, operating above 18,000 feet and designed for more extensive payload capacities to facilitate strategic reconnaissance and strike missions.
As of June 2024, the military has already solicited information for this ambitious effort and has received over 10 responses from industry players. Col. Ryan indicated that a final set of requirements for these new systems is expected to be decided within the next couple of months, with a goal of fielding these advanced drones by 2028.
While specific competition details remain undisclosed, General Atomics has indicated its intention to participate, actively promoting its latest configurations of the Gray Eagle, including the Gray Eagle 25M and STOL models, which they suggest could serve as a foundational pairing for future Army aviation needs.
At the brigade level, the Army is opting for a faster procurement method by acquiring commercially available drones rather than adhering to the slower and more rigid FTUAS program. Former FTUAS candidates, such as Griffon and Textron, have been invited to compete alongside other vendors. If all goes according to plan, purchases targeting a Group 3 platform—ranging in weight from 55 to 1,320 pounds—could begin as early as fiscal 2026. This initial acquisition is crucial as brigades have been operating without a dedicated drone since the retirement of the Shadow in 2024. The FTUAS program had already encountered multiple delays before its cancellation, exacerbating the operational gap for these units.
