MQ-1C Gray Eagle
The Ukrainian military needs modern weapons to resist the Russian invaders. But the West does not always agree to provide what our country needs.
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More than two months ago, Ukrainian officials invited four MQ-1C Gray Eagle drones. This information is confirmed by American officials. But so far, the administration of US President Joe Biden has been reluctant to approve this request.
The reason given is the significant concern of Americans, ranging from the potential loss of advanced technologies on the battlefield to the need to teach Ukrainians how to fly drones.
Pentagon spokesman US Navy Capt. Mike Kafka declined to comment on the Gray Eagle drones, but said the Department of Defense is working closely with Kyiv “to provide the critical capabilities Ukraine needs on the battlefield.” He added that the Pentagon does not “comment on internal discussions.”
Why the Ukrainian military wants the MQ-1C Gray Eagle
It is a drone with a wingspan of up to 18 m and a range of up to 320 km (200 miles). It can stay in the air for up to 30 hours carrying out reconnaissance. Also, this drone is capable of carrying up to four Hellfire missiles (an American air-to-ground guided anti-tank missile used against objects with strong armor protection).
Therefore, the presence of the MQ-1C Gray Eagle in the Ukrainian arsenal will significantly expand the capabilities of the Ukrainian military, including reconnaissance behind enemy lines and strikes against Russian positions far from the front line.
US fears
The Wall Street Journal writes. that the situation with an attempt to delay the transfer of these drones to Ukraine repeats the general discussion, when some US officials are unwilling to supply Ukraine with more advanced weapons systems.
Perhaps the main fear is that the Ukrainians may lose this weapon, and it will fall into Russian hands. So it was with other types of weapons, among which are the M142 HIMARS. But the Ukrainian side managed to convince the United States to provide these missile systems.
Another reason for the delay in the transfer of such drones is the need to teach the Ukrainian military how to use them. At the same time, the drone developer General Atomics offered to cover all costs associated with the training of the initial personnel of Ukrainian operators.
General Atomics offered a five-week training program that will last 12 hours a day, seven days a week and will include simulator training and live flights. Ukrainian operators will be taught how to work with sensors, avionics and Gray Eagle maintenance.
