A bipartisan coalition of U.S. lawmakers is demanding an explanation from the Army regarding its order for a European-based unit to cease specializing in drone warfare. This directive comes at a time when uncrewed systems are playing an increasingly critical role on global battlefields.
The 173rd Airborne Brigade, comprising 600 soldiers, had been developing its own drones and honing tactics mirroring those employed by Ukraine against Russia and by Iran against U.S. forces. The unit was established in November with the aim of deploying drone capabilities wherever needed.
"We have deep concerns that eliminating this specialized drone unit will limit our ability to learn from allies, particularly the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and hinder our efforts to modernize drone warfare at the speed necessary to compete on the modern battlefield," the lawmakers stated in a letter to The Associated Press. The letter was addressed to departing Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and acting Chief of Staff Gen. Christopher LaNeve and was signed by Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Angus King (I-Maine), and Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio).
Lawmakers emphasized that the specialized unit represented a "prudent response in a moment when the character of warfare is changing faster than a conventional formation’s ability to adapt." They are seeking to understand the data, analysis, and decision-making process that led to this change after less than a year of the unit's operation. Additionally, they want to ascertain whether the decision originated from Pentagon leadership or was an internal Army directive.
General LaNeve recently instructed the battalion to refocus on its primary role as an airborne infantry unit. This action followed the unexpected dismissal of former Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in April. Integrating drones into Army tactics had been a significant priority for General George. Under his and Secretary Driscoll's leadership, the Army had launched the Army Transformation Initiative to incorporate modernized uncrewed aircraft systems into formations.
Before his dismissal, General George, who served as chief of staff under President Joe Biden, frequently advocated for accelerating the development of new drone systems and their distribution to regular soldiers, not just specialized units. Secretary Driscoll supported these initiatives, focusing on reducing regulatory hurdles for military contractors to expedite drone development.
Following General George's ouster, General LaNeve assumed the role of acting chief of staff. Secretary Driscoll also submitted his resignation recently, though the reasons for his departure were not disclosed. Driscoll was seen as an ally of George, and reports indicated tensions between them and Secretary Hegseth.