The US Army is accelerating plans to replace its legacy drones, preparing to phase out both the MQ-1C Gray Eagle and RQ-7B Shadow under the Army Transformation Initiative.
The change builds on earlier decisions to stop Gray Eagle procurement and cancel the FTUAS competition, originally designed to replace the Shadow, Breaking Defense reported.
Col. Nick Ryan, who leads the Army’s UAS Capability Manager Office, said the service is drafting strategies to deploy new systems while sustaining current operational needs.
Division-Level Drones
Modernized Gray Eagles will remain in limited service until about 2028, after which they will be retired. Their successor will be a Group 4 or Group 5 drone, offering short or vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.
Group 4 drones can weigh over 1,320 pounds and fly up to 18,000 feet, while Group 5 drones operate above that altitude with greater payload and endurance for strategic reconnaissance or strike missions.
The Army’s June 2024 RFI drew more than 10 proposals, with requirements expected to be finalized within three months. Deployment is targeted for fiscal 2028.
General Atomics has positioned its Gray Eagle 25M and STOL variants as potential contenders.
Brigade-Level Plans
For brigades, the Army will pursue an off-the-shelf procurement strategy, acquiring commercially available Group 3 drones instead of restarting the FTUAS program.
Vendors including Griffon and Textron have been invited to compete, with the first purchases possible in fiscal 2026.
The initial phase will emphasize Group 3 drones (55–1,320 pounds), with advanced capabilities introduced later depending on resources.
This shift follows the 2024 retirement of the Shadow, which left brigades without a dedicated surveillance and targeting platform after decades of service.
