# Navy Demonstrates Remote MQ-25A Control

The U.S. Navy demonstrated remote command and control of an MQ-25A Stingray from the USS Ronald Reagan, with the carrier more than 2,100 miles from the aircraft. The trial used the carrier’s MD-5C Ground Control Station and a proliferated low Earth orbit satellite network, marking a program milestone in unmanned carrier aviation rather than a new contract award. For procurement professionals, the demonstration provides evidence of ongoing integration work across aircraft control stations, satellite communications, and carrier air wing systems.

- The trial involved the MQ-25A development and testing program, with Boeing participating at its aircraft facility and Lockheed Martin providing MDCX hardware and software integrated with the MD-5C Ground Control Station.
- This milestone highlights demand for interoperable command-and-control, satellite communications, and unmanned aviation capabilities; firms with relevant integration and test expertise may find these areas pertinent to future Navy requirements.
- No new solicitation, contract value, or award timeline was announced, so the demonstration should be treated as program progress rather than an immediate procurement opportunity.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Information Technology
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** October 20, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Navy (USN)
- Unmanned Carrier Aviation Program Office (PMA-268)
- Portfolio Acquisition Executive Aviation (PAE Aviation)

### Vendors
- Boeing (MQ-25A test participant; aircraft was located at Boeing's facility during the trial)
- Lockheed Martin (Provider of MDCX hardware and software integrated with the MD-5C Ground Control Station)

### Key Quotes
> The MQ-25A Stingray’s carrier-based refueling capabilities enable F/A-18 Super Hornets to fly farther and longer.
> — Hung Cao, Acting Secretary of the Navy

> This first-ever underway connection between a carrier-based UAWC and an MQ-25A aircraft proves that the Carrier Air Wing of tomorrow is a reality today.
> — Daniel Fucito, PMA-268 Program Manager

### Sources
- [
	Unmanned Aerial Refueler Remotely Controlled By At-Sea Aircraft Carrier Control Station  > United States Navy > display-pressreleases
](https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/4628508/unmanned-aerial-refueler-remotely-controlled-by-at-sea-aircraft-carrier-control/) - NAVY