Arizona Guard to field first 12 Gray Eagle 25M by 2029 under $389M modernization contract
Arizona becomes the first National Guard state to operate the modernized Gray Eagle 25M, delivering eight aircraft by late 2027 under a $389 million contract. The open-architecture upgrades target electronic threat resistance and payload flexibility observed in recent conflicts. This procurement extends Army aviation capacity into the Guard's eight-division structure while exposing gaps in public discussion of distributed UAS basing.
Coverage missed the Guard's role as a testbed for rapid payload integration and the pattern of using state units to absorb production lots while active forces prioritize contested environments. Next milestones include initial operational capability testing in 2027 and parallel fielding decisions for the remaining funded units, likely tied to FY2028 budget execution.
Army: Arizona unit reaches initial operational capability with eight aircraft by Q4 2027
Sources (3)
- [1]Primary Source(https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2026/10/15/arizona-guard-first-to-field-gray-eagle-25m-drone/)
- [2]Supporting Source(https://www.ga-asi.com/gray-eagle-25m-first-flight)
- [3]Supporting Source(https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/)