Navy Awards Boeing $562 Million Contract for MQ-25A Stingray Production
Boeing's MQ-25A Stingray program has reached a significant milestone with the U.S. Navy awarding a $562 million contract for three production aircraft. The fixed-price incentive contract was awarded on September 14, and includes funding for advance purchase of long-lead components needed for three additional aircraft planned for the second production lot.
The initial deliveries of the first three production aircraft are expected to begin in 2029. The award marks a major step forward for the program, which has been in development since 2018. Boeing's development program has already included testing of the Stingray's ability to operate autonomously.
The MQ-25A is being developed as the Navy's first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft. Its primary mission is aerial refueling, taking on a tanker role currently performed by F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. By handling aerial refueling, the MQ-25A is intended to allow more Super Hornets to concentrate on their primary missions while extending the range of the carrier air wing.