The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) received its MD-5C system in March 2026, followed by the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in August. These installations provide the essential command and control infrastructure required to pilot the Stingray, allowing the Navy to offload specific missions from manned aircraft. The MD-5C functions as a complex system-of-systems, integrating government communications networks with Lockheed Martin’s MDCX software and hardware suite.
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U.S. Navy Expands MQ-25A Stingray Control Capacity to Two Carriers
The U.S. Navy has doubled its operational capacity for the MQ-25A Stingray unmanned aircraft system, deploying a second MD-5C Ground Control Station within five months. This expansion centers on the Unmanned Air Warfare Center, utilizing the Skunk Works MDCX autonomy platform to integrate unmanned flight operations directly into carrier air wings.
Capt. Daniel Fucito, the PMA-268 program manager, noted that the successful integration of these centers marks a significant step toward normalizing unmanned carrier aviation. By pairing autonomous systems with traditional air wings, the Navy aims to increase the resilience and adaptability of its forces. According to Ben Tongue, MDCX Program Manager, the rapid five-month deployment cycle establishes the necessary command backbone for the future Carrier Air Wing, leveraging Skunk Works’ expertise in multi-platform autonomy and scalable operations.
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