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MDCX in the U.S. Navy’s Unmanned Air Warfare Center

PALMDALE, Calif., Sept. 30, 2026 — The U.S. Navy has successfully doubled its operational capacity for the MQ-25A Stingray™ unmanned aircraft system (UAS) within a span of just five months. This enhancement involves the establishment of a second operational MD-5C Ground Control Station (GCS), which is powered by Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works^® MDCX™ autonomy platform.

MDCX in the U.S. Navy's Unmanned Air Warfare Center

Engineers at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works developed the MDCX system for installation in the Unmanned Air Warfare Center (UAWC), which serves as the command center for unmanned carrier aviation.

The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) was the first to receive the operational MD-5C in March 2026, followed by the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in August 2026.

Importance of the MD-5C System

The MD-5C is a sophisticated system-of-systems that incorporates the government’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) network, Lockheed Martin’s MDCX™ software and hardware, along with various government-sourced ancillary equipment. Within this ground control station, MDCX enables mission planning and execution, allowing Navy operators to command and control the MQ-25A Stingray. This capability extends the reach of carrier air wings while freeing manned aircraft to undertake higher-priority missions.

Statements from Key Officials

“These two operational unmanned air warfare centers aboard CVN 71 and CVN 76 bring us closer to integrating unmanned carrier aviation into the fleet,” stated Capt. Daniel Fucito, PMA-268 program manager. “Thanks to the tremendous collaboration between our Navy and Lockheed Martin teams, these carriers are now equipped to operate the MQ-25A. By integrating our unmanned systems with manned aircraft, we are developing a more resilient and adaptable force ready to prevail in future conflicts.”

Delivering Readiness

Ben Tongue, MDCX Program Manager, remarked, “MDCX is fulfilling the promise of a ready-now, open-architecture command and control platform for the fleet. Within five months, we have doubled the number of U.S. Navy carriers ready to operate the MQ-25A Stingray. Our team is closely collaborating with the Navy to establish the command and control infrastructure for the Carrier Air Wing of the Future.”

This latest installation represents a continuation of significant MDCX milestones that encompass ship, shore, and flight tests, showcasing the proven autonomy and multi-platform control capabilities backed by Skunk Works’ integration expertise.

For more information, visit our website: MDCX™ command and control platform

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company that leads in innovation and scientific advancement. Our mission solutions across all domains and our 21st Century Security^® vision aim to accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies, ensuring those we serve remain ahead of the curve. More information is available at Lockheedmartin.com.

(PRNewsfoto/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics)