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

Published Aug 7, 05:44 PM UTC

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 milestone was reached in March 2026, with the USS Ronald Reagan expected to follow by August 2026. However, the MQ-25 program continues to face delays; initial operational capability (IOC) has slipped from an original 2024 target to February 2029. The Navy plans to acquire 76 Stingrays to extend carrier air wing range and free up F/A-18E/F Super Hornets from tanker duties. The drones will also have secondary ISR capability. The UAWC integrates the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System (UMCS) developed by Lockheed Martin, including the MD-5E Ground Control Station and the MDCX autonomy platform. The first production-representative MQ-25 made its maiden flight in April 2026.