The US Army is retiring its MQ-1C Gray Eagle and RQ-7B Shadow UAVs to accelerate adoption of more modern autonomous aircraft under the Army Transformation Initiative. Gray Eagle procurement has already stopped, and the Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System (FTUAS) program to replace Shadow was canceled. Col. Nick Ryan confirmed that brigades will get replacements distributed in time to ensure no operational gaps. Group 4 and 5 UAVs, weighing over 599 kg, capable of higher altitudes and long endurance, will replace older models by 2028. General Atomics is offering its Gray Eagle 25M and STOL variant. For brigades, a fast-track marketplace will allow purchase of Group 3 commercial drones starting in 2026. The Shadow was retired in 2024, leaving brigades temporarily without dedicated drones. This step promotes flexibility, local innovation, and faster delivery of surveillance and strike options.
