Inside the Navy highlights

Some must-reads from this week's issue of Inside the Navy:

1. Congress has approved a $9.5 million reprogramming action allowing the Marine Corps to buy 144 Polaris MRZRS as part of a new-start "utility task vehicle" program.

Full Story: Congress approves Marine Corps purchase of 144 MRZRs

2. The Marine Corps plan to field a large, sea-based unmanned aerial system with strike capability is making its way through the joint requirements process and is on track for Pentagon approval by the beginning of fiscal year 2017.

Full Story: Marines on track to field large, sea-based UAS pending JROC approv

3. Marine Corps used the support of a MQ-9 Reaper organic to a Marine Expeditionary Unit for the first time during a recent technology experiment, and contractor General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is pitching the drone as an interim capability for the service as it weighs long-term requirements for a large, sea-based unmanned aerial system.

Full Story: Marines use Reaper drone for first time during tech experiment