Boeing’s MQ-25A Stingray uncrewed aircraft has been cleared for Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) after receiving Milestone C approval from the US Navy.
The approval, announced by Navy acting secretary Hung Cao, follows the first operational test flight of the aircraft, conducted by Boeing and the US Navy on 25 April 2026.
This milestone represents a significant development in the Navy’s uncrewed carrier aviation efforts, with a contract for LRIP Lot 1 covering three aircraft anticipated this summer and additional priced options planned for Lot 2 with three aircraft and Lot 3 with five aircraft.
“Unmanned refuelling extends our reach against any adversary. Moving the MQ-25A Stingray to Milestone C and into production is arming our warfighters with a capability that increases the lethality of our Carrier Strike Groups,” said Cao.
The MQ-25A marks a shift in US Navy carrier operations as it joins fleet activities as the first carrier-based uncrewed aerial vehicle developed specifically for refuelling missions.
The US Navy aims to use the MQ-25A to refuel F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft, resulting in more fighters available for strike operations.
The shift is also designed to enhance carrier air wing endurance and preserve the operational life of existing aircraft. Integrating the MQ-25A into fleet operations is intended to support future advancements in unmanned and combined manned-unmanned operations.
The Unmanned Carrier Aviation Programme Office (PMA‑268) oversees the MQ‑25A programme, including both the Stingray and the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System (UMCS).
PMA‑268 operates under the Carrier Strike Deputy Portfolio Acquisition Executive, which is part of the Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Aviation.
Unmanned Carrier Aviation programme manager captain Daniel Fucito said: “The aircraft is ready, production is ready, and the program is ready to move this groundbreaking capability forward, paving the way for unmanned carrier aviation and enhancing fleet capability, capacity and lethality.”
