Navy Awards Boeing $562 Million Contract for MQ-25A Stingray Drones

The U.S. Navy has awarded Boeing a $562 million contract to produce three MQ-25A Stingray drones, marking a shift from development to production for the carrier-based drone tanker program.

The fixed-price incentive contract also funds long-lead components for three additional aircraft in a second lot planned for 2027. This award brings the total number of Stingrays under contract to 14, with the full program of record calling for 76 aircraft.

The MQ-25A is designed to deliver at least 14,000 pounds of fuel over 500 nautical miles, roughly the capacity of an F/A-18 Super Hornet configured as a tanker. The drone's maiden flight took place in April 2026, a year behind plan, and initial deliveries are expected to begin in 2029.

The program has faced delays, with the Navy originally targeting initial operational capability for 2024 but pushing it back to February 2029 due to technical risk, schedule changes, and a Boeing labor strike. Despite these challenges, Captain Daniel Fucito, the Navy's Unmanned Carrier Aviation program manager, said the award marks a pivotal transition from development to operational reality.