MQ-1C Gray Eagle Destroys Drones Using Hellfire Missiles

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has confirmed a significant advancement in counter-drone warfare: the MQ-1C Gray Eagle uncrewed aerial system (UAS) has successfully used AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire missiles to eliminate enemy drones during live-fire tests. This development represents a novel approach in the rapidly evolving field of counter-UAS (C-UAS) technology, offering new tactical options for military forces facing proliferating drone threats.

Gray Eagle’s New Counter-Drone Capability

The successful demonstration involved the Gray Eagle using its onboard radar systems in conjunction with the radar-guided Longbow Hellfire missile to detect, track, and destroy a small drone target. This capability transforms the traditional intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform into an effective aerial drone interceptor, adding significant versatility to an already multi-role aircraft.

“We’ve demonstrated live-fire takedown using Longbow Hellfire from Gray Eagle to eliminate a small UAS,” confirmed C. Mark Brinkley, a GA-ASI spokesperson. This achievement positions the Gray Eagle as a mobile anti-drone platform capable of protecting ground forces and high-value assets from increasingly common aerial threats.

Multiple Counter-UAS Weapons Options

The Hellfire missile isn’t the only counter-drone weapon being integrated with the Gray Eagle platform. GA-ASI has also conducted company-funded demonstrations of podded miniguns from the Gray Eagle STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) variant, providing a more cost-effective kinetic option for engaging smaller drones.

“These flying trash cans simply aren’t built to withstand incoming 7.62mm rounds, and the miniguns could offer other armed overwatch options not previously explored,” Brinkley explained, referring to the Dillon Aero DAP-6 Minigun pods that have undergone live-fire testing at the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground.

Additionally, GA-ASI plans to unveil a new kinetic option for the Gray Eagle STOL “in the next few months that would further lower the price tag for C-UAS response, while also increasing accuracy and flexibility.” This suggests the development of a more affordable alternative to the relatively expensive Hellfire missile, potentially a laser-guided rocket system like the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II).

Advanced Sensor Integration for Drone Detection

Critical to the Gray Eagle’s counter-drone capability is the adaptation of its sensor suite to detect and track small aerial targets. GA-ASI has confirmed numerous flight tests using their proprietary Lynx and EagleEye radar systems for UAS target acquisition and tracking.

“We have conducted numerous flight tests using our Lynx and EagleEye radar systems for target acquisition and tracking of small UAS,” Brinkley stated. These tests demonstrate the radar systems’ ability to operate in an air-to-air mode, providing detection including crucial look-down capability and weapons cueing for aerial engagements.

The EagleEye synthetic aperture radar is currently being enhanced with a new active electronically scanned array (AESA) antenna and updated software, which will extend its range and improve its multi-mode performance, potentially making it even more effective against aerial threats.

Future Directed-Energy Weapons Development

Looking beyond kinetic solutions, GA-ASI is developing a drone-mounted podded laser system for counter-UAS missions. This concept was showcased mounted on an MQ-9B SkyGuardian drone at recent industry exhibitions, including the Air Force Association’s 2025 Warfare Symposium and the Sea-Air-Space Conference.

While GA-ASI claims to have “a very mature laser technology” for this application, airborne laser systems have historically faced significant technical challenges. If successful, however, this directed-energy weapon could provide a cost-effective solution for engaging multiple drone targets without the ammunition constraints of conventional weapons.

Strategic Advantages

The Gray Eagle’s counter-drone capability offers several strategic advantages over traditional ground-based C-UAS systems:

• Mobility and Responsiveness: Unlike fixed ground systems, Gray Eagles can be redirected to provide counter-drone coverage wherever needed most, with particular effectiveness from the STOL variant operating from austere locations.
• Persistence: With an endurance exceeding 24 hours, the Gray Eagle can maintain continuous surveillance and drone screening operations, creating an effective counter-drone combat air patrol (CAP).
• Multi-Role Capability: Beyond counter-drone operations, these platforms can simultaneously provide armed escort for ground forces and sensor overwatch, maximizing resource utilization.
• Cost-Effectiveness: While the Longbow Hellfire’s $215,000+ price tag is substantial, it remains significantly cheaper than traditional air-to-air missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM, which costs approximately $1 million per round.

Also read this: South Korea Proposes Major Involvement for UAE in KF-21 Project

Practical Applications in Current Conflict Zones

The development of drone-based counter-UAS capabilities comes at a critical time, as military forces worldwide face increasing drone threats, particularly from one-way attack munitions or “kamikaze drones.” The proven success of the Longbow Hellfire in air defense roles including Israel’s use of AH-64 Apaches against Hezbollah drones and recent U.S. Army exercises in the Middle East suggests immediate practical applications for the Gray Eagle’s new capabilities.

As drone technology continues to proliferate across battlefields, the Gray Eagle’s demonstrated ability to engage and neutralize these threats represents a significant evolution in counter-drone warfare. By combining persistent surveillance, advanced detection systems, and multiple engagement options, GA-ASI’s developments are positioning unmanned aerial systems as a key component in future air defense architectures.

Source: TWZ

Keep connected with us at Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram & TikTok for latest defense happening around the globe.