U.S. Navy Doubles UAS Command and Control Capacity with Second MD-5C, Powered by Skunk Works® MDCX™
The ground control station combines MDCX software and hardware with government networks and ancillary equipment.
Sentiment and the balance of points
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Rhea-AI Summary
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) MDCX powers the U.S. Navy’s second operational MD-5C ground control station for unmanned aircraft operations. USS Ronald Reagan received the station in August 2026, following USS Theodore Roosevelt in March. The deployments doubled the Navy’s capacity to operate the MQ-25A Stingray over five months. MDCX provides mission planning and execution software within the carriers’ onboard Unmanned Air Warfare Centers.
Positive
- Minor pointMDCX deployment reached a second operational carrier ground control station aboard USS Ronald Reagan in August 2026.
Negative
- None.
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MDCX in the
Skunk Works engineers MDCX for the
USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) received the first operational MD-5C in March 2026, followed by USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in August 2026.
Why it matters
The MD-5C is a highly complex system-of-systems, which includes the government Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence network, Lockheed Martin's MDCX™ software and hardware, and additional government-produced ancillary equipment. Within the GCS, MDCX is the mission planning and execution software that enables Navy operators to command and control the MQ-25A Stingray, extending carrier air wing reach and freeing manned aircraft for higher-priority missions.
What Our Partners are Saying
"These two operational unmanned air warfare centers aboard CVN 71 and CVN 76 bring us closer to integrating unmanned carrier aviation into the fleet," said Capt. Daniel Fucito, PMA-268 program manager. "Thanks to the incredible work from our joint Navy and Lockheed Martin team, these carriers are ready to fly the MQ-25A. By pairing our unmanned systems with our manned aircraft, we are building a more resilient, adaptable force that is better prepared to win the fight."
A Ready-Now Capability
"MDCX is delivering on the promise of a ready-now, open-architecture command and control platform for the fleet," said Ben Tongue, MDCX Program Manager. "In five months, we've doubled the number of
This install continues a series of MDCX milestones spanning ship, shore and flight test - evidence of proven platform autonomy, multi-platform control and scalable operation footprints built on operationally proven systems and Skunk Works integration expertise.
For additional information, visit our website: MDCX™ command and control platform
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.
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SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
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