Boeing Wins $562M Navy Contract for MQ-25A Stingray Production

Boeing has secured a $562 million contract from the U.S. Navy for the production of its MQ-25A Stingray unmanned refueling aircraft. The contract, which funds the first production lot, is valued at $562 million and includes funding for three Lot 1 aircraft, as well as advanced procurement funding for long-lead components to support three Lot 2 Stingrays.

The award follows the program's Milestone C approval granted in May 2026, which marked a key milestone in the development of the MQ-25A. According to Capt. Daniel Fucito, program manager of the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Program Office, or PMA-268, the contract award signals a fundamental evolution in carrier air wing operations.

The MQ-25A Stingray will provide organic aerial refueling directly to the Carrier Air Wing, enabling F/A-18E/F Super Hornets to concentrate on core strike capabilities and extending the wing's combat radius. The Navy's PMA-268 program office manages the Stingray air system alongside its Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System.