USS Theodore Roosevelt has become the first US Navy supercarrier to host an Unmanned Air Warfare Center, marking a significant step in preparing for the integration of Boeing’s MQ‑25 Stingray tanker drone into carrier operations.

This development, highlighted in the Pentagon’s Modernized Selected Acquisition Report, reflects the US Navy’s determination to push unmanned systems into naval aviation despite delays that have pushed the initial operational capability of the MQ‑25 to 2029.

The MQ‑25 is designed to extend the range of carrier‑based fighters and reduce reliance on buddy‑buddy refuelling, while also offering a secondary intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance role. The addition of the UAWC will next be replicated on USS Ronald Reagan later this year, signalling a future where unmanned platforms will routinely operate from carrier decks.

India, meanwhile, is charting a parallel course with its own unmanned carrier aviation ambitions. The Naval Collaborative Combat Air Vehicle program, spearheaded by the Abhimanyu drone developed by NewSpace Research and Technologies, is expected to provide the Indian Navy with a loyal wingman concept.

Unlike the MQ‑25, which is primarily a tanker, Abhimanyu is being developed to extend the sensor reach of manned aircraft and undertake limited strike missions. This system is designed to integrate seamlessly with the MiG‑29K and the upcoming Rafale‑M, forming a manned‑unmanned teaming solution optimised for carrier operations.

The integration of artificial intelligence‑driven autonomy will allow Abhimanyu to extend situational awareness, conduct high‑risk missions, and reduce exposure for human pilots.

Its ability to neutralise enemy aircraft and operate in contested airspace adds a new dimension to India’s carrier strike groups. 

While smaller and lighter than the HAL Warrior being developed for the Air Force’s Combat Air Teaming System, Abhimanyu is optimised for modularity and cost‑effectiveness, making it suitable for naval deployment. This approach reflects India’s emphasis on affordable yet capable unmanned systems that can complement its existing fighter fleet.

China is also pursuing similar ambitions, with its GJ‑11 Sharp Sword being converted for operations from the deck of Type‑076 aircraft carriers.

This highlights a broader regional trend where major naval powers are investing in unmanned carrier aviation to enhance survivability and operational flexibility in contested maritime domains. The convergence of these trajectories underscores the indispensability of unmanned systems in future maritime warfare.

For India, the Abhimanyu project represents a strategic leap in carrier aviation. By focusing on loyal wingman drones rather than tanker platforms, India is prioritising tactical flexibility, survivability, and the ability to operate in high‑threat environments.

This approach complements the US Navy’s focus on endurance through the MQ‑25, while carving out a distinct path tailored to India’s operational needs. Together, these developments reflect a global shift towards integrating unmanned platforms into carrier strike groups, reshaping the future of naval air power.

Agencies