GRAY EAGLE MODIFICATIONS

The GRAY EAGLE MODIFICATIONS program, detailed in Line Item 9000I49000 of the FY 2026 Army Aircraft Procurement budget, focuses on the modernization and sustainment of the Army's MQ-1C Gray Eagle Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS). This program is part of the Department of Defense's Agile Portfolio Management initiative, which seeks to accelerate the deployment of innovative technologies and address emerging operational requirements. The primary goal is to ensure the Gray Eagle fleet remains operationally effective and technologically relevant in support of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), particularly in contested and evolving threat environments.

One of the central objectives of this line item is the procurement and integration of the Heavy Fuel Engine 2.0 (HFE 2.0) propulsion system. The HFE 2.0 is a critical upgrade intended to replace aging engines in the MQ-1C fleet, thereby preventing potential grounding due to end-of-life issues and ensuring continued operational readiness. The new engine offers increased endurance, which is necessary to support advanced sensor payloads and extended mission durations. The program requests funding for procurement of HFE 2.0 engines, with General Atomics serving as the manufacturer.

Another key focus area is the modernization of datalinks and avionics. The program aims to procure new hardware for satellite communications for both ground control stations and air vehicles, as well as upgrade air vehicle avionics. This includes the acquisition of multi-band communication equipment that enables beyond line-of-sight data transmission and the replacement of obsolete processors. The modernization effort also involves a system re-architecture, partitioning and updating software to separate critical and non-critical functions, which enhances cybersecurity and system resilience.

The program also supports the integration of Army Assured-Positioning Navigation and Timing (A-PNT) capabilities. This is particularly important for enabling the MQ-1C Gray Eagle to operate effectively in GPS-denied environments, a growing concern in modern warfare. The upgrades include the fielding of M-Code navigators, as required by Public Law 111-383, to provide secure and resilient navigation solutions. These improvements are designed to ensure the platform's survivability and effectiveness in contested electromagnetic environments.

Additionally, the program addresses obsolescence across multiple subsystems, including payloads, aircraft systems, and ground equipment. By adopting a Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA), the Army aims to facilitate future upgrades and integration of new payloads, sensors, and mission systems. This approach supports the Army's broader Transformation Initiative and ensures the Gray Eagle platform can adapt to evolving mission requirements and technological advancements.

The GRAY EAGLE MODIFICATIONS line item also fulfills statutory requirements outlined in Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, supporting both active and reserve components in homeland defense, domestic emergency response, and defense support to civil authorities. The program's multi-phased procurement and integration efforts are scheduled to continue through at least FY 2030, with recurring modernization retrofits planned to maintain fleet viability and mission effectiveness.