The US Army is moving forward with plans to retire its MQ-1C Gray Eagle and RQ-7B Shadow drones, accelerating a broader shift to modern autonomous aircraft under the Army Transformation Initiative. The move follows earlier decisions to stop new Gray Eagle purchases and cancel the Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System (FTUAS) program, which was meant to replace the Shadow.
According to Col. Nick Ryan, director of the Army’s UAS Capability Manager Office, the service is charting out replacement options that will be distributed to units while maintaining operational readiness. Newer Gray Eagle models will remain active with upgrades, while older versions are scheduled for retirement around 2028.
The Army is now eyeing a Group 4 or Group 5 UAS to replace the Gray Eagle. These platforms will feature vertical or short takeoff and landing capabilities, eliminating the need for runways. Group 4 drones can operate at medium-to-long endurance up to 18,000 feet, while Group 5 systems exceed that altitude with heavier payloads and extended range. A final decision on requirements is expected within months, with fielding set for 2028.
Meanwhile, at the brigade level, the Army will bypass lengthy procurement cycles by acquiring commercially available Group 3 drones through a rapid-buy program. Vendors such as Griffon and Textron, once FTUAS competitors, are expected to participate, with the first purchases possible by 2026. This will fill the gap left after the Shadow’s retirement in 2024, restoring reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities to frontline brigades.
