Kathmandu— A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has pressed the Army for an explanation regarding its decision to order the 173rd Airborne Brigade, based in Europe, to cease specializing in drone warfare. This move comes as global battlefields are rapidly evolving and military tactics increasingly rely on uncrewed systems. The brigade, which was established in November with a focus on deploying drones, has been told by Army leadership to refocus on its core mission of being an airborne infantry unit.

Lawmakers' Concerns

In a letter shared with The Associated Press, the lawmakers expressed deep concerns that eliminating this specialized drone unit will limit the U.S. military’s ability to learn from allies and hinder efforts to modernize drone warfare at the necessary pace. They are particularly keen to understand the data, analysis, and process behind the decision after less than a year of the drone unit being active.

Army Leadership Changes

The order came shortly after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ousted the Army’s previous chief of staff, Gen. Randy George, in April. LaNeve, who is now acting as the Army’s top uniformed officer, recently ordered the battalion to refocus on its core mission. This move followed the sudden resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, whose departure was widely reported to be due to tensions with Hegseth.

(With inputs from AP)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.