The USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) has been fitted with an unmanned air warfare center, becoming the second U.S. Navy aircraft carrier ready to control the MQ-25A Stingray drone tanker, Defence Industry Europe reported on Sept. 30, 2026.
The installation took place in August 2026, the report said. The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) became the first such carrier in March 2026, doubling the number in about five months.
The Stingray itself is not yet in service, and the Navy does not plan to fly it operationally until 2029, TWZ reported.
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What the USS Ronald Reagan Received
The carrier now has a Lockheed Martin Skunk Works MD-5C ground control station running the company’s MDCX autonomy platform, according to Defence Industry Europe. The station sits in an Unmanned Air Warfare Center, where air vehicle pilots will control MQ-25 flights, TWZ reported.
Capt. Daniel Fucito, the Navy’s MQ-25 program manager (PMA-268), said: “These two operational unmanned air warfare centers bring us closer to integrating unmanned carrier aviation into the fleet.” He added: “By pairing our unmanned systems with our manned aircraft, we are building a more resilient, adaptable force.”
Ben Tongue, Lockheed Martin’s MDCX program manager, said the platform is “delivering on the promise of a ready-now, open-architecture command and control platform.”
How the Navy Reached Two MQ-25 Carriers
The first test unmanned air warfare center was installed and tested aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) in August 2024, TWZ reported. The USS Theodore Roosevelt then became the first fully operational, deployable MQ-25-capable carrier in March 2026.
The USS Ronald Reagan is the second, bringing the count to two carriers able to run the system. Air Data News had said the Reagan was expected to receive the same capability in August 2026.
Where the MQ-25A Stingray Stands
The Boeing-built MQ-25 is meant to refuel carrier air wings, with a secondary intelligence and reconnaissance role. The Navy plans to buy 76, TWZ reported.
The first production-representative aircraft made its first flight in April 2026, and an earlier demonstrator has flown since 2019, according to Air Data News. The service target has slipped from 2024 to 2027 and now to 2029, the same report said. The jet still has to complete carrier-suitability testing, including launches, recoveries and deck handling.
FAQ: USS Ronald Reagan and the MQ-25
What did the USS Ronald Reagan receive?
A Lockheed Martin MD-5C ground control station running the MDCX platform, installed in August 2026 in an unmanned air warfare center.
Which carriers are ready for the MQ-25A Stingray?
Two: the USS Theodore Roosevelt (March 2026) and the USS Ronald Reagan (August 2026).
When will the MQ-25A Stingray enter service?
The Navy is not aiming to fly it operationally until 2029, according to TWZ.
Looking Ahead
Three things to watch: carrier-suitability testing of the MQ-25A, any further control-center installations on other carriers, and whether the 2029 target holds. The Navy has not named the next ship in line.
Sources
- Defence Industry Europe — U.S. Navy doubles carriers equipped to control MQ-25A Stingray
- TWZ — USS Theodore Roosevelt is the first carrier with a drone control center ready for MQ-25 ops
- Air Data News — USS Theodore Roosevelt receives MQ-25 drone control center
