Defense & Military
U.S. Army Upgrades MQ-1C Gray Eagle ER with Advanced ELINT Capabilities
GA-ASI awarded contract to enhance MQ-1C Gray Eagle ER with ELINT sensors, improving detection of adversary air defenses and supporting MUM-T operations.
This article is based on an official press release from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI).
The U.S. Army has awarded a new contract to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to upgrade its MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range (ER) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) with advanced Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) capabilities. Announced on April 15, 2026, this modernization effort aims to enhance long-range sensing and detect adversary Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS).
According to the official press release from GA-ASI, the upgrade is a critical step in preparing the U.S. Army for Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) in highly contested electromagnetic environments. By integrating advanced radar detection and signal collection technologies, the Army is positioning the Gray Eagle ER as a vital electronic warfare and intelligence node on the modern battlefield.
We note that this development underscores a broader military shift toward Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), utilizing unmanned assets to improve the survivability of crewed Army aircraft by acting as forward-deployed scouts.
Enhancing the Gray Eagle ER with Open Architecture
Leveraging CMOSS for Rapid Integration
The technological framework for this ELINT upgrade relies heavily on the aircraft’s C5ISR Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) architecture. As detailed in the GA-ASI release, this open-systems approach enables the U.S. Army to rapidly integrate “best-of-breed” sensors, payloads, and weapons without the need for total system overhauls.
To execute this integration, GA-ASI is partnering with the Army’s Capability Program Executive Office for Intelligence and Spectrum Warfare, alongside defense contractor SNC. This collaborative effort ensures that the drone‘s capabilities can be upgraded efficiently, saving both time and taxpayer resources.
Complementary Intelligence Systems
Beyond the new ELINT sensors, the Gray Eagle ER is being configured with a comprehensive suite of modernized intelligence tools. The company states that these complementary systems include Communications Intelligence (COMINT), Synthetic Aperture Radar/Moving Target Indicator (SAR/MTI), and Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) radios, which collectively enhance the aircraft’s situational awareness.
Strategic Implications on the Modern Battlefield
Standoff Survivability and MUM-T
The integration of ELINT sensors provides the Gray Eagle ER with the ability to identify and geo-locate critical threats, specifically adversary IADS, while remaining safely outside the kinetic range of enemy anti-aircraft weapons. This standoff capability is essential for modern combat scenarios.
Furthermore, the platform serves as a forward-deployed sensor capable of looking deeply into the battlespace. By feeding real-time data to ground commanders and crewed Army helicopters, the drone facilitates advanced Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T). This operational concept significantly increases the survivability of human pilots, allowing them to remain concealed until a threat is neutralized.
Resilience in Contested Environments
In contemporary warfare, reliance on the electromagnetic spectrum is paramount. The combination of ELINT, COMINT, and SAR allows the Gray Eagle ER to cross-cue intelligence. According to the provided research data, if enemy electronic warfare jams one sensor, the aircraft can rely on its other systems to maintain a persistent lock on adversary positions.
“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. Gray Eagle’s open systems architecture makes this a simple but impactful upgrade,” stated David R. Alexander, President of GA-ASI, in the company’s press release.
Testing Validation and Background Context
Proven in Project Convergence Capstone-5
The foundation for this recent contract was validated during the U.S. Army’s Project Convergence Capstone-5 (PCC-5) exercise in March 2025. During these tests, the Gray Eagle ER successfully operated in an electronically contested and jammed environment.
According to industry research reports, the aircraft executed persistent Detect, Identify, Locate, and Report (DILR) missions during PCC-5. It also provided mesh network aerial tier support, successfully connecting soldiers and launched effects that would have otherwise been obstructed by terrain or communication range limits.
Powering the Upgrades
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is a Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) UAS derived from the combat-proven MQ-1 Predator. To support the heavy power demands of these new intelligence sensors, GA-ASI previously upgraded the Gray Eagle ER fleet in 2021. That upgrade introduced a new brushless generator system, which increased the aircraft’s electrical power output by more than 50 percent, reaching up to 14 kilowatts.
AirPro News analysis
At AirPro News, we observe that the U.S. Army’s continued investment in the Gray Eagle ER highlights a definitive pivot toward the “invisible battlefield.” The drone is evolving far beyond its traditional roles of aerial surveillance and kinetic strikes; it is now a sophisticated electronic warfare node. The emphasis on open systems architecture (CMOSS) is particularly noteworthy, as it mirrors the tech industry’s approach to modular hardware and software updates. This strategy ensures the platform remains relevant against rapidly advancing near-peer adversaries without the prohibitive costs and timelines associated with developing entirely new airframes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MQ-1C Gray Eagle ER?
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range (ER) is a Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aircraft System used by the U.S. Army. It was developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) as an advanced derivative of the MQ-1 Predator.
What does the new ELINT upgrade do?
The Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) upgrade allows the drone to detect, identify, and geo-locate adversary Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS) from long ranges, improving survivability and intelligence gathering in contested environments.
What is CMOSS?
CMOSS stands for C5ISR Modular Open Suite of Standards. It is an open-systems architecture that allows the military to rapidly integrate new “best-of-breed” sensors and payloads into platforms like the Gray Eagle ER without requiring a complete system overhaul.
Sources
Photo Credit: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
Defense & Military
NexTech Solutions Acquires BOOMSLANG Aerospace for UAS Defense
NexTech Solutions acquires BOOMSLANG Aerospace, adding UAS and Counter-UAS tech including the MONGOOSE system to its DoD portfolio.
NexTech Solutions (NTS) has finalized the acquisition of BOOMSLANG Aerospace, integrating new Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter-UAS (C-UAS) technologies into its defense-grade product portfolio to address emerging tactical airspace threats.
Announced on August 24, 2026, following a transaction close on August 7, 2026, the acquisition marks the fifth corporate purchase by NTS since receiving strategic backing from private equity firm Clairvest in 2023. According to the company’s press release, the move is designed to provide modular, mission-ready solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and other government agencies.
Integrating UAS and Counter-UAS capabilities
The acquisition brings BOOMSLANG’s proprietary hardware and software into the NTS ecosystem. Central to this integration is the MONGOOSE C-UAS system, alongside the broader BOOMSLANG UAS family of systems. These platforms will join existing NTS products such as MANTLE, VidTerra COMPASS, and JEFF-K to create a networked defense architecture.
NTS leadership emphasized the operational readiness of the newly acquired technology and its immediate applicability to current defense requirements.
“BOOMSLANG Aerospace has built exactly the kind of technology our customers are asking for: cutting-edge, mission-ready, and purpose-built for the current threat environment at the edge,” stated Joseph Paull, CEO of NexTech Solutions.
David Pollman, Director of Counter-UAS Operations at NTS, noted that BOOMSLANG’s approach aligns with the company’s strategy to build modular, requirements-driven C-UAS architectures for government clients.
Corporate growth and defense sector strategy
The BOOMSLANG acquisition reflects a sustained expansion strategy for NTS, which operates out of Tampa, Florida, and Northern Virginia, with the latest announcement originating from Huntsville, Alabama. The 2023 investment from Clairvest positioned NTS as a platform company for defense technology growth, facilitating five acquisitions over the subsequent three years.
BOOMSLANG Aerospace leadership indicated the merger will accelerate product deployment. Alan Cornett, President and Co-Founder of BOOMSLANG Aerospace, stated that the combined entity can move faster from concept to fielded capability for defense customers.
AirPro News analysis
We view this acquisition as a direct response to the rapidly evolving tactical requirements of the U.S. Department of Defense. The proliferation of inexpensive, commercially available drones in modern conflict zones has forced defense contractors to rapidly scale their C-UAS offerings. By acquiring an established player like BOOMSLANG rather than developing a system entirely in-house, NTS accelerates its time-to-market. The emphasis on modular and networked ecosystems suggests NTS is positioning itself to offer comprehensive, plug-and-play airspace awareness and defeat mechanisms rather than standalone hardware.
Sources: NexTech Solutions (via PR Newswire)
Photo Credit: Montage
Defense & Military
NSPA Issues RFP for NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Program
NSPA formally launches the NGRC Concept Design RFP, with four manufacturers competing for a six-nation helicopter replacement program.
The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has formally issued a Request for Proposal for the Concept Design phase of the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability program, advancing a six-nation effort to replace aging medium multi-role Helicopters fleets.
Announced in a press release on August 10, 2026, the procurement targets a service entry between 2035 and 2040. The NSPA is managing the process on behalf of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Four pre-qualified Manufacturers will compete in this phase: Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters, The Boeing Company, and Sikorsky.
Advancing the concept design phase
The Request for Proposal (RFP) officially opened on July 31, 2026, and requires the four bidders to submit their concept design proposals by August 31, 2027, at 12:00 Paris Time. Under the procurement guidelines, each manufacturer can propose a maximum of two concept design solutions.
Maxime Martinez, Principal Procurement Officer for the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) Programme at NSPA, confirmed the launch of the new phase.
I am pleased to announce that the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has launched the next phase of the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) Programme: a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) to qualified bidders linked to the competition for the Concept Design phase of NGRC.
The NSPA is utilizing a procurement mechanism called Acquisition by Qualified Options. This framework allows the participating nations to evaluate digital trials within an in-house modeling and simulation environment before committing to physical prototypes. The agency plans to complete the bid evaluation process by the end of 2027, at which point it will deliver an evaluation summary report to the participating nations.
Industry positioning and proposals
The four pre-qualified bidders, selected following a Pre-Qualification Assessment that closed in October 2025, have already begun positioning their offerings for the multi-national replacement program.
In February 2026, Airbus Helicopters revealed two distinct concepts for the NGRC study. The European manufacturer is developing both a high-performance conventional helicopter and a high-speed compound rotorcraft that leverages technology from its Racer demonstrator program. Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, announced in July 2026 that it would establish helicopter production facilities in Europe if the partner nations select its proposal.
The NSPA is encouraging broader industry participation through the primary bidders rather than direct submissions. Martinez stated that potential suppliers, technology providers, and industrial partners should engage directly with Airbus Helicopters, The Boeing Company, Leonardo Helicopters, or Sikorsky to contribute to the program.
AirPro News analysis
We view the NSPA decision to utilize the Acquisition by Qualified Options mechanism as a critical step in mitigating the technical and financial risks historically associated with clean-sheet rotorcraft development. By mandating digital trials in a simulated environment before advancing to physical prototypes, the participating nations can rigorously evaluate the aerodynamic and operational viability of complex designs, such as the compound concept proposed by Airbus Helicopters.
Sikorsky’s preemptive commitment to European production highlights the intense political and economic stakes of the NGRC program. With five European nations and Canada funding the development, North American bidders like Sikorsky and The Boeing Company will likely need to guarantee substantial industrial offsets and local manufacturing to remain competitive against indigenous European prime contractors like Airbus and Leonardo. The requirement for up to two concepts per bidder also provides the NSPA with a broad spectrum of conventional and advanced high-speed rotorcraft options to evaluate against the harmonized operational baseline.
Photo Credit: Airbus
Defense & Military
HAL and Safran Sign Aravalli Engine Co-Development Contract
HAL and Safran finalize the Aravalli engine contract via SAFHAL JV to power India’s IMRH and DBMRH helicopters by 2032-2033.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines have finalized a contract to co-develop the new-generation Aravalli engine, marking a definitive shift in Indian aerospace manufacturing from licensed production to indigenous propulsion design.
The agreement, signed on August 26, 2026, in Bengaluru, India, formalizes the design, development, manufacture, and lifecycle support of the engine through SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. SAFHAL is a 50:50 joint venture between the two aerospace manufacturers. The Aravalli engine is slated to power India’s future 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).
Technical specifications and manufacturing
The Aravalli engine will operate in the 3,500 to 4,000 shaft horsepower (shp) class. Under the terms of the agreement, HAL will gain access to core engine technologies, including the high-pressure compressor, power turbine, and accessory gearbox. This technology transfer is designed to build domestic intellectual property and expertise in high-power engine design.
Manufacturing operations for the Aravalli program will be based at HAL’s facility in Tumakuru, Karnataka. Safran Helicopter Engines Chief Executive Officer Cédric Goubet noted the precedent set by the agreement in a press release issued by HAL.
“This is the first time Safran HE has taken up such a class of engine as co-development. The Aravalli engine programme represents a new chapter in the strategic relationship between France and India, combining the expertise of our teams to develop propulsion systems for future Indian rotorcraft.”
Development timeline and strategic shift
The final contract follows a multi-year negotiation and planning phase. HAL and Safran initially signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the project in July 2022, followed by detailed workshare discussions at Aero India in February 2023. The companies executed an airframer contract on August 30, 2024, to commence joint design work.
The design and development phase is targeted for completion between 2032 and 2033. Once operational, the IMRH platform is intended to replace the Indian Air Force’s aging fleet of Mil Mi-17 Helicopters. HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K emphasized the domestic industrial impact of the program.
“The signing of this contract marks a significant step forward in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in aero-engine technologies. Through this collaborative programme with SAFHAL and Safran Helicopter Engines, we are creating a strong foundation for powering next-generation Indian helicopter platforms.”
AirPro News analysis
The Aravalli engine contract represents a critical maturation point for India’s defense aviation sector. Historically, Indian aerospace manufacturing has relied heavily on licensed production of foreign designs, which limits domestic engineering capability and intellectual property ownership. By securing a 50:50 co-development structure that includes core engine components like the high-pressure compressor and power turbine, we view this agreement as a foundational step toward true Propulsion independence for the Indian military. If the 2032 to 2033 development timeline holds, HAL will be positioned not just as an assembler, but as a primary original equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for high-power rotorcraft engines.
Sources: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Photo Credit: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
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