General Atomics to Upgrade Gray Eagle ER Drones with Enhanced Electronic Intelligence Capabilities

General Atomics to upgrade Gray Eagle ER drones with enhanced electronic intelligence capabilities

The new electronic intelligence, or ELINT, capability will enable the aircraft to detect and analyze integrated air defense systems while operating outside threat ranges. This is expected to support manned-unmanned teaming and improve survivability for crewed aircraft. “Combining long-range detection with the range and persistence of the Gray Eagle platforms ensures that commanders always know when an adversary IADS is operating,” said David R. …

U.S. Army strengthens Gray Eagle® with new ELINT upgrade

San Diego – 15 April 2026 – The U.S. Army is upgrading its MQ-1C Gray Eagle® Extended Range (ER) with enhanced electronic intelligence capabilities via a contract awarded to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). ELINT supports long-range sensing for the Integrated Air Defense System (IADS), providing critical information to ground commanders. This capability allows Gray Eagles to operate outside threat ranges while looking deeply …