MQ-1 Gray Eagle UAV

The MQ-1 Gray Eagle UAV program is a key element of the Army's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, specifically under Program Element PE 0305219A. The primary goal of this program is to provide the Army with an Extended Range, Multi-Purpose (ERMP) Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) capable of executing a range of missions including reconnaissance, security, attack, and intelligence collection across the full Range of Military Operations (ROMO). The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is equipped with advanced sensors and payloads such as Electro-Optical/Infrared/Laser Designator (EO/IR/LD), Synthetic Aperture Radar/Moving Target Indicator (SAR/MTI), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and HELLFIRE missiles, enabling near all-weather operational capability.

The MQ-1C Gray Eagle Modifications line item focuses on research and development efforts to enhance the platform's survivability and operational effectiveness, particularly in environments where Global Positioning System (GPS) signals may be denied or contested. The specific objective for FY 2025 and FY 2026 is the continued integration of hardware components for Vision-Based Navigation (VBN), which provides a complementary navigation solution that does not rely solely on GPS. This capability is critical for ensuring the Gray Eagle can operate effectively in the face of emerging GPS threats and electronic warfare environments.

A central goal of the Assured Positioning, Navigation, & Timing (A-PNT) initiative within this program is to develop and integrate alternative navigation and timing solutions. The VBN system uses video imagery to estimate aircraft position during GPS denial or outages, thereby increasing the platform's resilience. Additionally, the program funds the integration of an independent timing source to maintain the functionality of time-dependent components on the aircraft, further supporting mission continuity in contested environments.

The program also aims to transition the Gray Eagle fleet to M-Code GPS receivers, as mandated by public law 111-383. M-Code provides enhanced security and anti-jamming capabilities compared to legacy GPS signals. The RDT&E funds will support the selection and integration of an M-Code compatible third navigator to replace the obsolete Athena 511 GPS receiver. The program also supports the development of other complementary or alternative A-PNT systems. These upgrades are essential to maintain the operational relevance of the Gray Eagle in evolving threat environments.

From an acquisition perspective, the Gray Eagle program has followed a structured development and testing pathway, with key milestones such as the approval of the Operational Requirement Document (ORD), Capabilities Production Document (CPD), and completion of Follow-On Test and Evaluation (FOTE). The ongoing RDT&E efforts are managed through contracts with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), the primary system developer and integrator.

The budget justification for these modifications is rooted in the need to ensure the Army's UAS fleet remains capable and survivable in increasingly complex operational environments. The requested funds for FY 2025 and FY 2026 support the continued development, integration, and testing of critical navigation and timing technologies. The decrease in FY 2026 funding compared to previous projections is attributed to the Army Transformation Initiative memorandum, reflecting shifting priorities and resource allocations within the Army's modernization strategy.