The US Army is preparing to phase out its MQ-1C Gray Eagle and RQ-7B Shadow unmanned aerial systems (UAS), fast-tracking plans for more modern autonomous aircraft under the Army Transformation Initiative.
This step builds on recent decisions to halt Gray Eagle procurement and scrap the Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System (FTUAS) competition intended to succeed the decommissioned Shadow, Breaking Defense reported.
Speaking with the outlet, Army UAS Capability Manager Office Director Col. Nick Ryan said the force is developing plans to distribute replacements for dedicated units and maintain their operability.
Group 4 and 5 UAS for Divisions
Under the evolving framework, newer Gray Eagles will remain in service with upgrades, while older variants are scheduled for retirement around fiscal 2028.
The medium-altitude, long-endurance aircraft, made by General Atomics, will be succeeded by a Group 4 or Group 5 platform capable of short or vertical takeoff and landing, removing the need for runways.
Group 4 under the Department of Defense tactical drone classifications weighs more than 1,320 pounds (599 kilograms), flies up to 18,000 feet (5,486 meters), and can stay aloft for medium- to long-endurance missions.
Meanwhile, Group 5 UAS are the largest, operating above 18,000 feet with greater payload capacity and endurance for strategic reconnaissance or strike roles. The military already issued a request for information for this effort in June 2024 and received more than 10 responses.
A final requirements decision is expected within the next two to three months, Ryan verified, with fielding targeted for 2028.
While the competition details remain under wraps, General Atomics showed intent to compete, promoting its latest Gray Eagle 25M and Gray Eagle STOL configurations as a “one-two punch” for future army aviation.
Group 3 Drones in Brigades
For brigade-level units, the US Army will use an existing fast-track program to buy ready-made drones from the commercial market, rather than following the slower, more rigid FTUAS program.
The military invited former FTUAS contenders Griffon and Textron to compete alongside other vendors, Ryan said, with purchases potentially starting in fiscal 2026.
The initial buy would focus on a Group 3 platform — weighing between 55 and 1,320 pounds (25 to 599 kilograms) — as the first systems, followed by more advanced platforms in later phases, pending senior leader approval and funding.
Brigades have been without an operational drone since the Shadow, a smaller Group 3 aircraft used for decades in reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting, was retired in 2024.
The FTUAS already faced repeated delays before being canceled under the Army Transformation Initiative, leaving units without a dedicated capability.
