Airbus US Space & Defense has established a multi-year partnership with Parry Labs to advance mission capabilities of the US Marine Corps’ (USMC) MQ-72C Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC).
The MQ-72C is an uncrewed variant of the UH-72 Lakota helicopter and designed to serve as a logistical support platform for military operations.
As per the agreement, Parry will provide its STRATIA Edge Software Platform, a commercial off-the-shelf solution.
The platform is claimed to align commercial aviation norms and advanced autonomy and mission system technologies.
Parry Labs will also supply computing hardware and a ground control station capable of accommodating various form factors, including integration with the Marine Air Ground Tablet (MAGTAB).
Airbus US Space & Defense chairman and CEO Robert Geckle said: “Parry’s proven digital system integration expertise – specifically UAS command and control interfaces – will help ensure the MQ-72C will be able to conduct uncrewed operations in austere environments and redefine how the Marine Corps counters the threats of tomorrow.”
The partners are set to expand their collaboration over the coming years, focusing on enhancing mission capabilities.
This partnership aims to advance autonomous flight technologies for use by the USMC and other components of the Joint Force.
Parry Labs CEO JD Parkes said: “We are able to bring modern mission system capabilities in a simple unified data and systems environment to programmes like ALC.”
The ALC initiative is part of a series of efforts by the US Department of Defense aimed at providing logistical support in dispersed settings, particularly in scenarios involving conflict with peer or near-peer adversaries.
Currently, the Airbus team is in its second year working on the Aerial Logistics Connector programme under the Middle Tier of Acquisition – Rapid Prototyping pathway.
In May 2025, Airbus disclosed the second demonstration programme at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, in support of the USMC’s ALC contract.
This event assessed the UH-72B Lakota’s performance, including its cargo loading and carrying capabilities, and demonstrated potential modifications to align with the USMC’s specifications for an ALC system suitable for expeditionary advanced base operations.
Further demonstrations are scheduled to take place throughout 2025 to guide upcoming procurement decisions and potentially lead to the development of a prototype aircraft, said Airbus.
In April and May 2025, Airbus teamed up with Shield AI and L3Harris to expand the platform’s mission capabilities.
