Army will shut down a unit in Europe focused on learning drone warfare
Summary
The U.S. Army is ending the drone warfare mission of the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Europe and returning it to a traditional infantry role. This change was directed by Gen. Christopher LaNeve, the Army’s acting chief of staff, amid a wider Army reshuffling.Key Facts
- The 173rd Airborne Brigade, based in Italy and Germany, had a battalion focused on building and using drones in warfare.
- This drone unit was created in November 2025 with about 600 soldiers specialized in drone tactics inspired by Ukraine’s use of drones against Russia.
- Gen. LaNeve ordered the return of the battalion to regular airborne infantry duties.
- The shift follows the removal of Gen. Randy George and leadership changes under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
- The drone unit will finish its ongoing exercises in Germany before ending its drone experiments.
- The Army will use the unit’s drone-related findings to help shape future Army strategies and technology.
- The 173rd Brigade also experimented with artificial intelligence and drones resistant to jamming.
- Despite threats from Iranian drone attacks on U.S. forces, the Army decided to refocus the brigade on traditional infantry roles.
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