Army will shut down a unit in Europe focused on learning drone warfare

The U.S. Army has announced plans to disband a unit stationed in Europe that had been dedicated to mastering drone warfare, redirecting its focus back to traditional infantry operations. According to officials, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, based in Italy and Germany, will cease its specialized drone warfare activities and revert to its role as an airborne infantry battalion. This decision follows months of experimentation and training in drone technology, which began nearly a year ago. The 173th Airborne Brigade had previously operated as a unit experimenting with drone warfare, drawing inspiration from the tactics employed by Ukrainian forces during their prolonged conflict with Russia. In late 2024, approximately 600 soldiers formed a dedicated drone warfare battalion, intended to serve as a flexible unit capable of deploying wherever drone capabilities were needed. General Christopher LaNeve, the Army's acting chief of staff, has ordered the unit to refocus on its core mission of being an airborne infantry unit, according to two U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. This shift marks part of a larger restructuring effort within the Army under LaNeve, who assumed leadership following the sudden removal of General Randy George in April. The decision to dissolve the drone-focused unit occurs despite recent conflicts involving Iran, where low-cost drones have posed a significant threat to U.S. military assets. Iranian Shahed drones have targeted naval vessels and bases, resulting in casualties and forcing the military to use expensive interceptors. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted in March that Ukrainian officials were assisting several nations in the Middle East and Gulf regions in countering Iranian drone threats, with the United States and European allies seeking similar support. The 173th Airborne Brigade has engaged in drone-related activities long before the formation of the specialized unit. In May 2025, the Army highlighted that soldiers from the brigade were developing their own attack drones at a facility known as the “first-person view (FPV) drone lab” located at Caserma Del Din, Italy. At the time, Colonel Joshua Gaspard, the unit’s commander, remarked that soldiers observed footage of FPV drones in Ukraine through social media and news reports, sparking enthusiasm for utilizing such systems. The unit also explored artificial intelligence applications and designed drones capable of resisting electronic interference. The Army stated that the specialized drone unit will conclude its experimental phase following two major exercises in Germany scheduled for this month and next. It will then compile its findings, along with insights gathered throughout the past year, and present them to the Army for use in shaping future force structure and technological advancements. A third official, speaking anonymously, emphasized that the exercises were anticipated to serve as a “culminating event” for the drone battalion, leading to a reassessment of its future. During General George’s leadership, many believed the unit would continue its work in drone warfare. General George, who served as Army chief of staff under President Joe Biden, frequently advocated for accelerating the integration of drone systems into standard military operations. Alongside Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, he spearheaded the Army Transformation Initiative, aiming to incorporate modernized unmanned aircraft systems into military formations. His emphasis on rapid development and deployment of new drone technologies aimed to equip regular soldiers rather than relying solely on specialized units. Following George’s abrupt dismissal in April, LaNeve assumed command, continuing the push for modernization but shifting priorities toward reinforcing traditional combat readiness.