MQ-8 Series

The MQ-8 Series line item in the Department of the Navy's Aircraft Procurement budget supports the modification and sustainment of the MQ-8 Fire Scout Unmanned Air System (UAS). The MQ-8 program's primary goal has been to provide the Navy with an expeditionary, vertical take-off and landing UAS capable of persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting (ISR-T) operations from both ship and shore. The program has supported Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) and other air-capable platforms, delivering airborne ISR capabilities independent of joint theater or national assets.

As of FY2026, the Navy has decided to divest the MQ-8C Fire Scout inventory, concluding operational employment in FY2024 and completing sundown activities by the end of FY2026.

Efforts to correct deficiencies and modernize the MQ-8 focused on addressing operational, safety, and performance issues in the MQ-8B and MQ-8C air vehicles. This included resolving readiness, obsolescence, safety, and Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) concerns. Pre-Planned Product Improvement (P3I) initiatives enhanced system reliability and maintainability, covering sensors, avionics, and airframe components. Specific modifications included upgrades to payloads, relocation of communications equipment, hot weather adaptations, engine and airframe improvements, cyber security enhancements, and transition to updated software platforms. These efforts aimed to sustain safe and effective ISR operations and establish depot-level repair capabilities.

Modifications to the MQ-8 Mission Control System and related hardware, including the Unmanned Common Aircraft Recovery System (UCARS), addressed component obsolescence, DMSMS, and readiness issues affecting shipboard and shore-based control systems. Upgrades were made to the MD-4 MCS equipment on LCS, Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB), and other platforms, as well as shore-based installations. Non-recurring engineering supported production and installation of retrofit kits, ensuring continued safe and reliable control of MQ-8 air vehicles during their operational lifecycle.

Enhancements to MQ-8 payloads focused on improving capability and reliability. A key goal was the addition and integration of a non-developmental item Radar payload, which included upgrades to the air vehicle, mission control software, and supporting hardware. These improvements strengthened the MQ-8's performance in support of Surface Warfare (SUW) missions and urgent operational requirements. Hardware and software modifications were also incorporated into training systems to ensure personnel readiness for new capabilities. Retrofit activities ensured that delivered MQ-8C air vehicles in active inventory received the necessary upgrades.

Throughout its lifecycle, the MQ-8 Series program coordinated closely with Commander Naval Air Forces, Commander Naval Surface Forces, Naval Air Systems Command, and Naval Sea Systems Command. The program sustained a limited segment of MQ-8C air vehicles to support LCS SUW missions and future Mine Counter Measures (MCM) missions. As of the end of FY2022, all MQ-8B airframes were fully retired, with the MQ-8C remaining in service until the planned divestment. Remaining MQ-8Cs are stored and maintained at designated Navy facilities.

Justification for the program's modifications and upgrades centered on maintaining operational readiness, safety, and performance in the face of evolving threats and technological obsolescence. The MQ-8 system's modular approach allowed for targeted improvements to air vehicles, control systems, and payloads based on host ship requirements and operational deployment plans. The program also addressed critical safety issues identified during deployment, such as icing detection, ground handling, GPS vulnerabilities, and cyber security, implementing solutions as they became available.

With the Navy's decision to divest the MQ-8C Fire Scout, no funding is requested for FY2026 and beyond. Any prior year procurement contracts will be closed out or hardware deliveries accepted and stored as appropriate. The MQ-8 Series line item reflects the conclusion of a program that delivered persistent ISR capabilities to the fleet and sustained readiness through targeted modifications and upgrades over its operational life.