Navy Demonstrates Remote MQ-25A Control from Carrier 2,100 Miles Away

The U.S. Navy demonstrated remote command and control of an MQ-25A Stingray from the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, which was more than 2,100 miles from the aircraft during the trial. The demonstration used the carrier’s MD-5C Ground Control Station and a proliferated low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network. The Navy described the test as a milestone in unmanned carrier aviation, showing that operators aboard a ship at sea could direct the aircraft over a substantial distance through the program’s control and communications architecture.

The trial brought together capabilities spanning aircraft development, ground control, satellite communications, and carrier operations. Boeing participated at its aircraft facility, while Lockheed Martin provided MDCX hardware and software integrated with the MD-5C Ground Control Station. That combination makes the event relevant beyond the aircraft itself: it demonstrates progress in connecting an unmanned platform with shipboard control equipment and a space-based communications network. The source does not specify the exact test location, satellite provider, performance metrics, or whether the demonstration involved operational refueling.

For procurement professionals, the clearest implication is continued Navy interest in interoperable command-and-control systems and the integration and testing needed to connect unmanned aviation with carrier air wing operations. Companies with experience in secure or resilient satellite communications, ground control stations, software and hardware integration, and systems testing may find these capability areas pertinent to future Navy requirements. The milestone is evidence of program activity, not a procurement notice: no new solicitation, contract value, or award timeline was announced in connection with the demonstration.

The MQ-25A’s stated mission context is carrier-based aerial refueling. Hung Cao, Acting Secretary of the Navy, said: “The MQ-25A Stingray’s carrier-based refueling capabilities enable F/A-18 Super Hornets to fly farther and longer.” That operational objective helps explain why remote control and ship-to-aircraft connectivity matter to the broader program. However, the source reports a command-and-control demonstration rather than a change to acquisition strategy, production quantities, or delivery schedules. Contractors should monitor program-office communications and future Navy requirements for specifics on follow-on integration, testing, and fielding activity.

• Test distance: USS Ronald Reagan was more than 2,100 miles from the MQ-25A during remote control.
• Control equipment: The carrier used the MD-5C Ground Control Station for the demonstration.
• Communications: A proliferated LEO satellite network supported the remote command-and-control link.
• Program context: The event marks progress in the MQ-25A development and testing program and unmanned carrier aviation.
• Industry roles: Boeing participated at its aircraft facility; Lockheed Martin supplied MDCX hardware and software integrated with the MD-5C.
• Capability areas to watch: Interoperable command-and-control, satellite communications, unmanned aviation, and integration and test services.
• Operational rationale: The Navy says MQ-25A carrier-based refueling can help F/A-18 Super Hornets fly farther and longer.
• Acquisition status: No new solicitation, contract value, or award timeline was announced; treat the event as program progress rather than an immediate bid opportunity.