The Navy is conducting market research to identify industry sources capable of designing, developing, prototyping, manufacturing, and fielding next-generation unmanned carrier-based aircraft. These aircraft are part of the Air Wing of the Future Family of Systems, aligned with the Golden Fleet initiative, and must operate from Ford-class and Nimitz-class nuclear aircraft carriers. The government seeks technical and programmatic concepts for platforms that can execute missions as a single-role, multi-role, or modular system, building on existing efforts like MQ-25A and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Responses must be submitted electronically, limited to 10 pages with an optional 20-slide presentation, and all information provided must be unclassified.

The government is issuing a sources sought notice to identify industry partners capable of designing, developing, prototyping, manufacturing, and fielding next-generation Unmanned Carrier-Based Aircraft for the Naval Aviation Enterprise's Air Wing of the Future Family of Systems. This effort is seeking technical and programmatic concepts for air vehicle and mission systems that can operate from Ford-class and Nimitz-class carriers, as either single-role, multi-role, or modular platforms. Responses must be submitted electronically, limited to 10 pages with an optional 20-slide PowerPoint presentation, and all information should be unclassified. The information gathered will inform future requirements, investments, and acquisition decisions aligned with the Navy unmanned strategy.

The U.S. Navy is seeking industry sources capable of designing, developing, and fielding next-generation unmanned carrier-based aircraft for operations from Ford-class and Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. This effort supports the Air Wing of the Future Family of Systems strategy, including existing programs like MQ-25A. The government requests concepts for air vehicle and mission systems that can execute single-role, multi-role, or modular missions. Responses are due by 5:00 PM EST on 13 August 2026, limited to 10 pages and 20 slides, and must be submitted electronically to specified Navy contacts. No budget amount or performance location beyond carrier-based operations is specified.