US Navy Requests $222 Million to Integrate MQ-25 Drone Into Carrier Operations

© REUTERS / Z.A. Landers/Courtesy U.S. NavyThe aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson transits the South China Sea while conducting flight operations on April 9, 2017.
The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson transits the South China Sea while conducting flight operations on April 9, 2017. - Sputnik International
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The US Navy has requested over $200 million to integrate the aircraft carrier based MQ-25 drone as an airborne surveillance platform, according to a Department of Defense budget document.

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WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US Navy is asking Congress for over $222 million in the 2018 fiscal year to integrate the aircraft carrier based MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can refuel manned aircraft and other UAVs or function as an airborne surveillance platform.

"FY 2018 Total, Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA), $222,208,000," is a line item request in the document.

The Navy originally designed the MQ-25 Stingray as a weapon system and surveillance and intelligence platform. It was repurposed by the Navy for use in airborne refueling and surveillance.

According to reports, the MQ-25 Stingray is being incorporated into aircraft carrier aviation operations. The drone's software data communication links and electro-optical camera underwent testing in April.

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