Army Looks to “Drone Attack” Future, Cancels New Recon/Attack Helo

By Johnny Franks, Warrior Editorial Fellow

Amid a paradigm shift away from traditional air combat, what unforeseen challenges and opportunities might arise in the evolving dynamics of warfare and defense strategy? The U.S. Army has recently decided to cancel its Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program, pointing to a significant change in military focus due to changing global threats and more irregular combat methods. Launched in 2018, the FARA initiative was meant to create a new scout helicopter, taking over from the Bell OH-58 Kiowa. The contest had been between Bell-Textron’s 360 Invictus and Sikorsky’s Raider X. Yet, the program’s end in 2024, after spending about $2 billion, highlights a broader shift towards drones and rethinking the role of manned scouting on today’s battlefield.

This shift comes from a careful evaluation of recent warfare, with conflicts like those in Ukraine showing how air reconnaissance and fighting have shifted. The Army’s top officer, General Randy George, noted these changes, stressing the need to invest more in drone systems. A series of drone attacks across various global hotspots has highlighted both the capabilities and the challenges of using unmanned systems in combat and reconnaissance roles. These incidents have demonstrated drones’ utility in executing precise strikes and gathering critical intelligence without risking human lives, underscoring their growing role in both offensive and defensive operations. The adaptability of drones to a wide range of scenarios—from surveillance to targeted attacks—has further emphasized their strategic value. Such developments have not only validated the U.S. Army’s decision to pivot towards unmanned systems but also stressed the urgency for continuous innovation and investment in drone technology to counter emerging threats effectively and to maintain a technological edge in an increasingly contested and complex battlefield environment.

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Halting the FARA program doesn’t mean the Army values aviation any less. Instead, it is seen as a strategic move towards more adaptable, survivable, and cost-efficient solutions against advanced defenses and unpredictable threats. The Army’s plans include focusing on other aviation projects, like the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), buying more UH-60M Black Hawks, starting production of the CH-47F Block II Chinook, and investing in advanced drone reconnaissance technologies.

The decision has led to discussions among industry partners and lawmakers. Bell and Sikorsky shared their disappointment but are ready to redirect their efforts to other projects. Congressional oversight, including efforts from Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA), is keen on examining the Army’s future aviation direction, the role of drones, and what this means for the defense industry.

This move towards more drone use is in line with wider defense trends, focusing on adding drones to military operations. It’s a strategic answer to the challenges of irregular combat methods and the need for constant, less risky scouting in hostile areas. It also considers the costs and risks of creating new manned aircraft in a time when technology quickly changes the strategic scene. The end of the FARA program and the shift to a greater focus on drones show a strategic adjustment to the changing nature of warfare. This approach acknowledges the limits of traditional surveillance and combat methods, showing a dedication to using technological progress to stay ahead in the face of new global threats.