USS Theodore Roosevelt becomes first carrier with built-in Unmanned Air Warfare Center

Published Aug 10, 07:39 PM UTC

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The USS Theodore Roosevelt has become the first U.S. Navy aircraft carrier equipped with a fully operational Unmanned Air Warfare Center (UAWC) to support the Boeing MQ-25A Stingray, the Navy's first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft. The MQ-25A, cleared for low-rate initial production and deployment in May 2026, is designed to relieve F/A-18 Super Hornets of aerial refueling duties, allowing them to focus on strike missions. The UAWC, which includes the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System and MD-5E Ground Control Station, was first installed and tested on the USS George H.W. Bush in August 2024. The USS Ronald Reagan is slated to have its UAWC operational by the end of August 2026. The MQ-25 program, initiated with an $805 million contract in 2018, achieved Milestone C in May 2026, transitioning from development to production and deployment after nearly eight years.

Source

Defense NewsWestern

Original language: EN

Part of this Story

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

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U.S. Navy Boeing