Boeing Lands $562M Contract for Unmanned Refuelers
The US Navy has awarded Boeing a $562 million contract to produce three MQ-25A Stingray unmanned aerial refuelers. The fixed-price incentive contract covers the initial production of the aircraft, as well as funding for long-lead components for three additional aircraft planned under Lot 2.
The award marks a significant milestone in the development of the MQ-25A program, which is being developed as the Navy's first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft. Its primary mission is aerial refueling, allowing it to take over the tanker role from crewed aircraft and extend the operational reach of the carrier air wing.
Boeing's development effort has included four engineering development model aircraft, five system demonstration test articles, and two ground test articles for static and fatigue testing. The LRIP award is intended to support the transition to production while the US Navy and Boeing continue testing and work to reduce technical and program risks ahead of subsequent production lots.
Troy Rutherford, MQ-25 Program vice president, said: 'Reaching this milestone shows how we’re redefining naval aviation and expanding what autonomy can do. We remain committed to providing stability and consistent execution of the production system to fulfill our commitments to the fleet.'