The US Army is preparing to retire its MQ-1C Gray Eagle and RQ-7B Shadow drones as part of the Army Transformation Initiative, accelerating efforts to bring in more advanced autonomous aircraft.
The move follows earlier decisions to end Gray Eagle procurement and cancel the Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System (FTUAS) program, once meant to replace the Shadow, Breaking Defense reported.
According to Col. Nick Ryan, director of the Army UAS Capability Manager Office, the service is working on plans to equip units with replacement systems while ensuring operational continuity.
Next-Generation Platforms
Upgraded Gray Eagles will remain in limited use until around 2028, after which older models will be retired. Their successor will likely be a Group 4 or Group 5 drone, capable of short or vertical takeoff and landing, eliminating runway dependence.
Group 4 drones weigh over 1,320 pounds, fly up to 18,000 feet, and can sustain medium- to long-duration missions. Group 5 systems, the largest category, operate above 18,000 feet with heavier payloads and extended endurance for long-range reconnaissance and strike roles.
The Army issued an RFI in June 2024, receiving over 10 responses. A final requirements decision is expected within two to three months, with fielding targeted for 2028.
General Atomics has already shown interest, promoting its Gray Eagle 25M and STOL variants as strong contenders.
Group 3 Drones for Brigades
At the brigade level, the Army plans to fast-track procurement of commercial drones instead of restarting a full-scale program.
Former FTUAS contenders Griffon and Textron have been invited to compete, with acquisitions potentially beginning in fiscal 2026.
The initial buy would focus on a Group 3 platform (55–1,320 pounds), followed by more advanced systems as funding and approvals allow.
This comes after brigades lost drone capability in 2024, when the Shadow—a long-serving reconnaissance and targeting asset—was retired amid repeated FTUAS delays.
