WASHINGTON – Recent changes in the U.S. Army have led to a significant shift in focus for a unit that was pioneering the use of drones in warfare. The 173rd Airborne Brigade, which has been stationed in Europe, is now being redirected back to its traditional role as an infantry battalion. This decision comes from Gen. Christopher LaNeve, the Army’s acting chief of staff, who is reshaping the Army’s operational priorities.
For almost a year, the 173rd Airborne Brigade has been experimenting with drones, inspired by Ukraine’s innovative tactics against Russia. In November, a battalion of 600 soldiers was formed specifically to specialize in drone warfare, allowing the Army to deploy these advanced technologies wherever needed.
Despite the growing importance of drone technology in modern warfare, especially highlighted by recent conflicts, the Army’s leadership has decided to revert to more conventional infantry tactics. This change comes at a time when lessons from conflicts involving drone usage, such as those in the Middle East, are still critical to understanding contemporary military challenges.
The 173rd Airborne Brigade, based in Italy and Germany, has been involved in various drone projects prior to the establishment of the specialized battalion. In May 2025, the Army showcased a new “first-person view drone lab” at Caserma Del Din in Italy, where soldiers designed and built their own attack drones. The brigade’s previous commander, Col. Joshua Gaspard, noted that soldiers were eager to engage with these technologies after seeing their effectiveness in Ukraine.
An Army statement revealed that the specialized drone battalion would conclude its current experimentation following two major exercises in Germany. The insights gained from these exercises will be shared with the broader Army to aid future developments.
This redirection comes after a significant leadership change within the Army. Gen. Randy George was ousted in April, leading to Gen. LaNeve’s appointment. LaNeve’s predecessor had emphasized the integration of drone technology into standard military operations, but LaNeve appears to be focusing on traditional infantry tactics.
While the Army’s next steps remain uncertain, there is a clear recognition of the need for adaptation in warfare tactics. In a memo, LaNeve stated that the Army must learn from past experiences and innovate rapidly, merging human judgment with advanced technologies. However, his memo notably did not mention drones, leading to questions about the future role of unmanned systems in the Army’s strategy.
In summary, while the 173rd Airborne Brigade’s shift back to conventional infantry roles may seem like a step back, it also presents an opportunity for the Army to reevaluate its strategies as it navigates the complexities of modern warfare.
