The Navy is rebuilding its air fleet with drones.

The U.S. Navy awarded Boeing a $12.7 million sole-source modification to upgrade electronic systems on the MQ-25 refueling drone.
Work covers updated radio frequency & data storage components,plus security assessment corrections for the aircraft's mission computer. pic.twitter.com/TmuZC4STtJ

— Valhalla (@ELMObrokenWings) September 1, 2026

It just dawned on me. The Navy once had on its carriers Scout/Anti-Sub planes, dedicated Attack planes (A-6), dedicated electronic attack (still does with the EA-18), dedicated fighters and dedicated fleet air defense. Its rebuilding that capability but using drones instead of manned aircraft. I just wonder when we get to the point of using a 737, or C-130 or another medium sized transport/lifter to command all the drones and your pilots are just around to transport the drone operators forward to do their thing. Stack the drones tight below decks and suddenly your airwing has 200 aircraft. 100 to fight with 100 replacements when the originals are lost to battle, lost signal, enemy jamming ... whatever.