Article

At a military conference, Chief Warrant Officer-4 Javi Rivas criticized the U.S. Army's reliance on contractors for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle support, stating that it needs to change as the Army prepares for large-scale combat operations.

The dependency on contractors delays operational readiness, particularly for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Rivas highlighted issues like the need for contractor assistance in setting up satellite communications systems, which restricts tactical capabilities. The Army is developing requirements for a new short/vertical takeoff UAS to replace the MQ-1C, with General Atomics planning design changes to minimize contractor involvement for future systems.