US lawmakers question Army decision to end drone warfare specialization, citing lessons from Ukraine
A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers is demanding answers from the Army after a Europe-based military unit was ordered to stop specializing in drone warfare, warning that the move could undermine efforts to learn from Ukraine's battlefield experience.
The lawmakers raised concerns over a decision to refocus a battalion within the 173rd Airborne Brigade on its core airborne infantry mission. The unit had been building its own drones and practicing tactics modeled in part on those pioneered by Ukrainian forces in the war against Russia, the Associated Press reported.
“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 wrote.
The letter was signed by Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, independent Sen. Angus King and Republican Rep. Mike Turner.
They are seeking a briefing on the data and analysis behind the decision, which comes less than a year after the specialized unit was established. The lawmakers also want to know whether the change was directed by Pentagon leadership or decided internally by the Army.
Gen. Christopher LaNeve, the Army's acting chief of staff, ordered the battalion to return its focus to airborne infantry.
His predecessor, Gen. Randy George, had made integrating drones into Army formations a major priority and, together with Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, pushed efforts to accelerate development and deployment of unmanned systems.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed George from his post in April without publicly giving a reason. Driscoll, who also supported the Army's drone modernization efforts, announced this week that he was stepping down.
The lawmakers said they supported the modernization initiatives launched under Driscoll and wanted to see that momentum continue despite changes in Army leadership.