US Army Seeks Advanced UAVs to Replace MQ-1C Gray Eagle

The US Army is pausing acquisitions of the MQ-1C 'Gray Eagle' drone series to seek advanced UAVs that do not require a runway and weigh at least 1,320 pounds. This decision follows a joint memo from the Army's chief of staff and secretary, emphasizing the need to transform into a more efficient force by cutting outdated systems.

The Army's request for information highlights the urgent requirement for a runway-independent Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) with enhanced Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C), modularity, and interoperability. The Gray Eagle, which has been in service for 16 years, will be replaced as the Army aims to adapt to the evolving UAV warfare landscape, influenced by trends observed in Ukraine and the capabilities demonstrated by adversaries such as Iran and Turkey.