Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA)

The Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA) program, under Program Element PE 0605414N, is a major Navy research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on delivering carrier-based unmanned aviation capabilities. The program is structured around two primary lines: the MQ-25 Air System (AS) and the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System (UMCS). Both are critical to extending the operational reach and effectiveness of the Carrier Air Wing (CVW), addressing shortfalls in organic aerial refueling and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), and supporting future unmanned integration within the Navy's air operations.

MQ-25 Air System (AS) is the first carrier-based, Group 5 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) developed to provide persistent, sea-based aerial refueling as its primary mission and ISR as a secondary mission. The program aims to extend the range and endurance of the CVW, mitigate the current Carrier Strike Group (CSG) ISR shortfall, and preserve the fatigue life of F/A-18E/F aircraft by reducing their use in tanker roles. The MQ-25 program is managed by the PMA-268 Government Lead Systems Integrator, which oversees system-of-systems integration, including the air vehicle, software, support equipment, training systems, and logistics.

In FY 2026, the MQ-25 program's goals include continued integration of the Ground Control Station (GCS), ongoing flight and ground testing with Engineering Development Models and System Demonstration Test Articles, and further development of software capabilities to support carrier suitability and mission systems. The program is also addressing obsolescence redesign of critical flight system avionics and aligning with the Navy's Unmanned Campaign Plan. These activities are essential to establishing a stable production baseline and ensuring the MQ-25 can meet evolving operational requirements.

Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System (UMCS) is the system-of-systems required for the control of the MQ-25 and future unmanned platforms, both shipboard and shore-based. UMCS encompasses all ground and ship-based hardware, software, and networks necessary for planning and executing flight operations and tactical missions. The system includes three GCS variants for carrier, shore, and embarkable use, and supports both line-of-sight and beyond line-of-sight communications, as well as integration with ship and shore-based networks.

In FY 2026, UMCS objectives include completing integration testing of the embarkable system, continuing baseline GCS software development, and supporting at-sea testing of the MQ-25A on multiple carriers. The program will also further develop health and monitoring software, integrate additional ancillary systems, and ensure compliance with cybersecurity and airworthiness requirements. UMCS is responsible for modifying carrier infrastructure, integrating with existing Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) systems, and providing the technical data packages and engineering support necessary for fleet introduction.

The acquisition strategies for both MQ-25 and UMCS emphasize evolutionary development, leveraging mature technologies, and integrating commercial and government off-the-shelf systems where feasible. The MQ-25 program follows an Acquisition Category (ACAT) IB strategy, with oversight from the Program Executive Office, Unmanned Aviation & Strike Weapons, and is aligned with validated requirements from the Joint Requirements Oversight Council. UMCS, designated as an ACAT II program, is closely aligned with MQ-25 milestones and leverages joint acquisition events for oversight and approvals.