Navy Awards Boeing $562M for First Production MQ-25A Tanker Drones

Navy Awards Initial Production Contract

The U.S. Navy awarded Boeing a $562 million fixed-price incentive contract for the first low-rate initial production lot of MQ-25A Stingray carrier-based unmanned aircraft.

The contract funds three Lot 1 aircraft and advance acquisition of long-lead components for three additional MQ-25As under Lot 2. Initial Lot 1 deliveries are expected to begin in 2029.

The award follows approval in May 2026 for the MQ-25A program to enter the production and deployment phase. Navy Capt. Daniel Fucito, program manager for Unmanned Carrier Aviation, described the contract as the program’s transition from development toward operational service.

Program Scope and Mission

The Navy’s program of record covers 76 aircraft, including four engineering and manufacturing development vehicles and five system demonstration test articles. Seven test aircraft are currently in production, according to the Navy.

The MQ-25A is intended to provide carrier air wings with an organic aerial-refueling capability. By assuming tanker duties currently performed by F/A-18 Super Hornets, the unmanned aircraft is expected to make more fighters available for strike missions while reducing flight hours associated with the refueling role.

The Stingray will operate alongside crewed aircraft and use Lockheed Martin’s Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control Station. The Navy also views the platform as an initial step toward broader integration of unmanned systems into carrier aviation.

Development and Testing

The MQ-25 originated in the Carrier-Based Aerial-Refueling System program, which followed the earlier Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike effort. Boeing was selected for the program in August 2018 and received an $805 million development contract for four aircraft. Three additional test aircraft were ordered in April 2020.

The first MQ-25 test vehicle flew on Sept. 19, 2019. In June 2021, it transferred fuel to an F/A-18F Super Hornet during a roughly 4.5-hour test mission. Subsequent testing included refueling work with the E-2 and F-35C.

The Navy conducted the first flight of a developmental MQ-25 in April 2026. Flight testing is expected to continue through the end of fiscal 2029.

Aircraft and Unit Details

The MQ-25A is powered by a single Rolls-Royce AE 3007N turbofan producing more than 10,000 pounds of thrust. Published Navy data lists a length of 51 feet and a wingspan of 75 feet when extended or 31.3 feet when folded for carrier storage. A Cobham aerial-refueling store is carried externally.

Unmanned Carrier Launched Multi-Role Squadron 10 at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, serves as the MQ-25 Fleet Replacement Squadron and supports development of operating and maintenance procedures.

The Navy established operational squadron VUQ-11 in April 2026. It is intended to be based at Naval Air Station Point Mugu, California, after operational aircraft are delivered and developmental testing concludes. A second operational unit, VUQ-12, is planned for a later date.