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The U.S. Navy has doubled its capacity to operate the MQ-25A Stingray unmanned aircraft system in five months, activating a second operational MD-5C Ground Control Station powered by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works’ MDCX autonomy platform. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) received the first operational MD-5C in March 2026, followed by USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in August 2026.
The MD-5C is installed within the Unmanned Air Warfare Center, the dedicated onboard command center for unmanned carrier aviation. The system integrates the government Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence network, Lockheed Martin’s MDCX software and hardware, and additional government-produced ancillary equipment. Within the ground control station, MDCX serves as the mission planning and execution software that enables operators to command and control the MQ-25A, extending carrier air wing reach and freeing manned aircraft for higher-priority missions.
“These two operational unmanned air warfare centers aboard CVN 71 and CVN 76 bring us closer to integrating unmanned carrier aviation into the fleet,” said Capt. Daniel Fucito, PMA-268 program manager. “Thanks to the incredible work from our joint Navy and Lockheed Martin team, these carriers are ready to fly the MQ-25A. By pairing our unmanned systems with our manned aircraft, we are building a more resilient, adaptable force that is better prepared to win the fight.”
“MDCX is delivering on the promise of a ready-now, open-architecture command and control platform for the fleet,” said Ben Tongue, MDCX Program Manager. “In five months, we’ve doubled the number of U.S. Navy carriers ready to fly the MQ-25A Stingray. Our team, in close coordination with the Navy, is establishing the command and control backbone for the Carrier Air Wing of the Future.”
The latest installation continues a series of MDCX milestones spanning ship, shore and flight testing, highlighting demonstrated platform autonomy, multi-platform control and scalable operational footprints built on existing operational systems and Skunk Works integration expertise.
