The technical objection to the sale was raised as part of a deeper review by the Pentagon’s Office of Defense Technology Security, which is tasked with guarding high-value technology. Earlier, the plan to sell the UAV was approved by the White House.
The objection to exporting the drones arose over concerns that the radar and surveillance equipment on the drones could pose a security risk to the United States if they fell into Russian hands. Pentagon sources said the consideration was overlooked in the initial discussion but resurfaced in talks late last week.
A decision to proceed with the deal is currently being considered by higher authorities at the Pentagon, but the timing of any decision is unclear. One solution would be to replace the existing radar and sensor complex with a simplified version, but it could take months to develop and install.
Four General Atomics Gray Eagle drones were originally intended for the US Army. According to official documents, MQ-1C Gray Eagle cost from 10 million dollars per copy.
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