The U.S. Navy has made a significant leap in military technology by launching a massive combat drone from an aircraft carrier in the middle of the ocean. This groundbreaking event took place on the USS Theodore Roosevelt, showcasing the Navy’s advanced capabilities and strategic foresight.
The drone in question is the MQ-25 Stingray, an unmanned aerial refueling aircraft designed to extend the range and endurance of carrier-based aircraft. This development is crucial for maintaining the U.S. Navy’s edge in modern warfare, particularly in the face of growing threats from adversaries like China and Russia. The MQ-25 can refuel fighter jets such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and the F-35C Lightning II, significantly enhancing their operational range and mission duration.
The successful launch and recovery of the MQ-25 from an aircraft carrier mark a historic milestone. It demonstrates the Navy’s ability to integrate unmanned systems into its carrier strike groups, providing a force multiplier that enhances the effectiveness of manned aircraft. This capability is particularly important in contested environments where the risk to human pilots is high.
Sources:
https://theaviationist.com/2024/08/18/mq-25-unmanned-air-warfare-center-uss-bush-aircraft-carrier/