The US Army has awarded General Atomics Aeronautical Systems a contract to equip the MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range drone with enhanced electronic intelligence capabilities. The upgrade will allow the aircraft to detect, identify, and analyze enemy integrated air defense systems from safer distances, improving survivability in contested airspace. Sierra Nevada Corporation will support sensor integration efforts. The improved platform will also aid crewed aircraft operating alongside the drone in manned-unmanned teaming roles. Additional systems already demonstrated on Gray Eagle include COMINT, synthetic aperture radar, and mobile network radios. The move reflects Army efforts to adapt legacy ISR drones for modern high-threat environments dominated by advanced air defenses.
