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

WASHINGTON (AP) – An Army unit based in Europe that was specializing in drone warfare has been directed to end its efforts to learn and employ the battlefield technology and return to being a traditional infantry battalion, office-holders noted Thursday.

What happened

As well as participating in drills on waging unmanned warfare after Ukraine pioneered such tactics in its yearslong conflict with Russia, for more almost a year, soldiers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade have been experimenting and building their own drones. Last November, 600 soldiers formed a battalion that specialized in drone warfare and was set up to be applied as a dedicated unit that could deploy anywhere drones were required.

Gen. Christopher LaNeve, the Army's acting chief of staff, has ordered the battalion to refocus on its core mission of being an airborne infantry unit, according to two U.S. Authorities who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal Army deliberations. The Wall Street Journal earlier documented the change.

The bottom line

In short, army will shut down a unit in Europe focused on learning drone is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.