USS Theodore Roosevelt becomes first carrier with MQ-25 Stingray drone control center

Published Aug 7, 05:44 PM UTC

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The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) has become the first U.S. Navy supercarrier with a fully operational Unmanned Air Warfare Center (UAWC) capable of supporting the MQ-25 Stingray tanker drone, according to a Pentagon Modernized Selected Acquisition Report dated April 2026. The UAWC was certified in March 2026, ahead of the USS Ronald Reagan planned for August 2026. The MQ-25 program, originally aiming for initial operational capability (IOC) in 2024, has faced repeated delays and cost growth, with IOC now pushed to February 2029. The Navy plans to acquire 76 Stingrays to extend the range of carrier air wings and free up F/A-18E/F Super Hornets from tanker duties. The drones will also have secondary ISR capability. The Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System (UMCS), led by Lockheed Martin, integrates the Ground Control Station and autonomy platform. The first production-representative MQ-25 made its maiden flight in April 2026.

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TWZWestern

Original headline: USS Theodore Roosevelt Is The First Carrier With A Drone Control Center Ready For MQ-25 Stingray Ops

Original language: EN-US

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USS Theodore Roosevelt First Carrier with MQ-25 Stingray Drone Control Center

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