Angus King

Lawmakers press Army to explain order halting drone unit's specialization

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers urged the Army to explain why the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Europe was ordered to stop specializing in drone warfare, warning the move could hinder learning from Ukraine and modernizing drone tactics. They seek a briefing on the data, analysis, and whether Pentagon guidance drove the decision, noting the unit's rapid formation in 2025 amid leadership changes including the resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and acting Chief of Staff Gen. Christopher LaNeve.