Unfortunately, the sale of four strike UAVs to Ukraine Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagle, which can be armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles was postponed. This was reported by Reuters.
The reason is the fear of the American military that the secret equipment MQ-1C Gray Eagle could fall into the hands of the Russians, if such a UAV is shot down over the territory controlled by the occupiers. This is primarily about drone radar and surveillance equipment. In short, the Pentagon's Defense Technology Security Administration is against the sale of UAVs to Ukraine.
This was allegedly "ignored" during the preliminary consideration of the possible sale of the MQ-1C Gray Eagle to Ukraine, but was mentioned later during a meeting at the Pentagon at the end of last week.
"Technology security reviews are a standard practice for the transfer of U.S. defense articles to all international partners. All cases are reviewed individually on their own merit. Through the established process, national security concerns are elevated to the appropriate approving authority," said Pentagon spokesperson Sue Gough.
The decision on whether or not to continue with the deal on the sale of MQ-1C Grey Eagle is now being reviewed higher up the chain of command at the Pentagon, but the timing of any decision is uncertain, a US government representative told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
MQ-1C Gray Eagle specifications
Length - 8.53 m
Wingspan - 17 m
Height - 2.1 m
Maximum takeoff weight - 1,633 kg
Load capacity - 360 kg
Powerplant - 1 × Thielert Centurion 1.7 Heavy-Fuel Engine
Power - 165 hp (123 kW)
Top speed - 309 km/h
Endurance - 25 hours
Working ceiling - 8,840 m
Suspension points - 4
Radar - AN/ZPY-1 STARLite
Armament:
Missiles - 4 × AGM-114 Hellfire or 8 × AIM-92 Stinger
Bombs - 4 × GBU-44 / B Viper Strike