MQ-25 Stingray is the US Navy programme for a carrier-based uncrewed aircraft whose main mission is aerial refueling, with Boeing as prime contractor. The Navy selected Boeing in 2018 under a fixed-price engineering and manufacturing development contract and plans 76 aircraft, 67 operational and nine for test. The first Navy MQ-25 flew in April 2026, low-rate initial production was approved in May 2026, and Boeing received the Lot 1 contract for three aircraft in September 2026, with first deliveries planned for 2029. DOD estimates initial operational capability in 2029.
United States