US UAV drones could replace Tomahawk missiles

According to Defense News, the US Navy has begun testing the MQ-25A Stingray unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) - a line of UAVs that greatly expand the combat range of US aircraft carriers.

The US military magazine believes that, in essence, the MQ-25A Stingray is a type of tanker aircraft for US carrier-based fighters. With this type of aircraft, the bombing and combat radius of aircraft such as the F/A-18 or F-35 can increase to 1,000 miles (more than 1,600 km).

US tests MQ-25A Stingray.

This distance allows US aircraft carriers to launch attacks from positions beyond the range of coastal defense systems of many countries around the world.

Although technically both the F/A-18 and F-35 have a range of over 1,000 km, the actual operating radius is much lower due to the limitation of the amount of fuel carried. To increase the range of carrier-based fighters, before each campaign, the US Navy must mobilize many tanker aircraft to increase the range of carrier-based fighters.

However, most Western tankers, which were converted from large civilian passenger aircraft, easily became "easy prey" for enemy fighters and air defenses. If these airborne fuel depots were destroyed, it could "bankrupt" an attack.

Therefore, the advantage of the MQ-25A Stingray is that it is smaller in size and equipped with stealth technology, making it more difficult to shoot down than other tankers. Furthermore, the MQ-25A Stingray has the ability to take off and land on aircraft carriers, significantly enhancing the attack capabilities of aircraft carriers.

In addition to refueling carrier-based fighters, the MQ-25A Stingray can also engage in preemptive strikes to soften up enemy defenses with anti-runway bombs and anti-radar missiles. With that capability, the MQ-25A Stingray could even replace the role of the Tomahawk cruise missile in the US Navy.

A US Navy officer spoke about the possibility of using this UAV in preemptive attacks: "You can use Tomahawk to destroy enemy bases, airports, and anti-aircraft missile launchers, but each time you use it, you will lose 1 million USD or more and cannot reuse it.

Whereas it (MQ-25A Stingray) you can use it over and over again until you achieve your goal."

Once this advanced UAV line completes testing and enters service, US aircraft carriers will always maintain a safe distance from enemy anti-ship missiles while still ensuring combat capability.

The MQ-25A is capable of refueling all US Navy aircraft, including the F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter, the EA-18G Growler electronic warfare and reconnaissance aircraft, and the F-35C stealth fighter. Having a UAV to refuel will increase the ability of aircraft carrier fighters to operate further and for longer periods of time.

Clip of US releasing images of MQ-25A Stingray

Tuan Hung