U.S. Navy wants a carrier-based unmanned fighter for $30 million

A US Navy request for information outlines a carrier-capable collaborative combat aircraft with a target unit price of about $30 million. The service wants two working prototypes and shore-based carrier qualification within three years, with compatibility for Ford- and Nimitz-class launch and recovery equipment. The notional aircraft would combine flight and mission autonomy with four external weapon stations able to carry stores weighing up to 2,500 pounds each. This is market research rather than a procurement award, and the Navy has not yet committed to a production quantity, contractor or fielding schedule.