Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 5:07:58-5:08:44

A future uncrewed successor to the S-3 Viking

In December 2024, an MQ-25-derived uncrewed aircraft is suggested as a possible future route to recovering some carrier-based ASW functions.

Anti-Submarine WarfareCarrier AviationMQ-25 StingrayS-3 VikingUncrewed Aircraft
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Question

Is there a fixed-wing replacement for the S-3 Viking?

Short answer

None is identified in the December 2024 discussion; an MQ-25-derived uncrewed aircraft is suggested as a possible future route.

Notes

The December 2024 answer identifies no ready fixed-wing replacement for the S-3 Viking. Britain and France are suggested as possible users of uncrewed aircraft to extend carrier operations, with a similar opportunity for the United States. American work is described as concentrating on tanking and support roles at that time. An MQ-25-derived aircraft is suggested as a possible future ASW platform, without claiming that such a replacement exists.