# Army and Navy Test MQ-8C Sensors

The U.S. Army Redstone Test Center acquired four Navy MQ-8C Fire Scout aircraft in July 2025 to conduct developmental testing of Army sensor packages, extending the aircraft’s use beyond its planned divestment timeline. The effort could generate follow-on procurement needs for sensor integration, test support, mission-control systems, spare engines, and related equipment, but the signal identifies no contract value, solicitation, or procurement contact.

- The Army-Navy test effort creates potential demand for suppliers supporting sensor integration, aircraft test and evaluation, mission-control systems, and MQ-8C sustainment.
- Companies offering these capabilities can assess their fit with Army sensor testing and the aircraft’s continued use; no specific solicitation or award opportunity is identified in the signal.
- The acquisition of four aircraft is dated July 2025, so procurement professionals should treat it as an existing testing activity rather than an open solicitation.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** November 13, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Army (Army)
- U.S. Navy (Navy)
- U.S. Army Redstone Test Center (RTC)
- Multi-Mission Tactical UAS Program Office (PMA-266)
- Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV)

### Vendors
- Northrop Grumman ()

### Sources
- [
	US Army and Navy partner on MQ-8C testing for sensor packages
](https://www.janes.com/defence-intelligence-insights/defence-news/air/us-army-and-navy-partner-on-mq-8c-testing-for-sensor-packages) - Janes Defence Intelligence