Army begins production of second tranche of short-range reconnaissance UAS

By Matthew RyanAugust 26, 2025

Army Begins Production of Second Tranche of Short Range Reconnaissance UAS
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A Soldier operates a drone. (Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Red Cat) VIEW ORIGINAL
Soldiers assigned to the New Jersey National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 254th Regiment, train with small, unmanned aircraft.
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers assigned to the New Jersey National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 254th Regiment, train with small, unmanned aircraft.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Daniel Amburg) VIEW ORIGINAL
A short-range reconnaissance unmanned aircraft system flies through the air May 9, 2024, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. The system is used to conduct surveillance during combat operations, providing warfighters with enhanced situational...
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A short-range reconnaissance unmanned aircraft system flies through the air May 9, 2024, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. The system is used to conduct surveillance during combat operations, providing warfighters with enhanced situational awareness. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Daniel Amburg) VIEW ORIGINAL

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. — The U.S. Army has initiated production of the second tranche of its Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems), marking a significant step forward in modernizing battlefield capabilities. The Army selected Teal Drones and their Black Widow system as one of two vendors to manufacture the SRR system, which will equip the Army’s Transformation in Contact units with advanced, networked communication systems designed to address emerging threats.

Initial fielding of SRR tranche one began in September 2022, and to date the Army has fielded over 16 brigades with this capability. Critical lessons learned and Soldier feedback from tranche one were incorporated in tranche two. This strategy will continue to incorporate new technologies into future tranches to provide the very best UAS capabilities on an accelerated schedule.

The Transformation in Contact initiative is part of a broader Army effort to evaluate how personnel, tactics, and technologies align to meet the demands of modern warfare. The program manager for unmanned aerial systems remains committed to delivering essential equipment to Soldiers in time to support the Army’s strategic objectives. These systems act as force multipliers, enabling precise fires, supporting ground operations with timely intelligence, and enhancing operational flexibility and agility.

SRR systems use cutting-edge sensors that integrate with Uncrewed Vehicle Control and Android Tactical Assault Kit capabilities. These capabilities provide real-time intelligence, reconnaissance and target acquisition, empowering commanders with the tools to make rapid and informed decisions. Additionally, SRR systems continue to improve Soldier survivability by detecting threats, identifying safe routes, and minimizing exposure to hazards, making these systems indispensable assets on the modern battlefield.

The Army’s investment in SRR systems underscores its commitment to advanced technologies that improve combat effectiveness and protect Soldiers in increasingly complex operational environments.

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