US Navy awards first MQ-25A Stingray production contract

The U.S. Navy awarded Boeing a $562 million fixed-price incentive contract for three Lot 1 MQ-25A Stingray aircraft and long-lead components for three Lot 2 aircraft. The carrier-based uncrewed tanker is intended to provide organic aerial refuelling, extend carrier-air-wing reach and return F/A-18E/F Super Hornets from tanker duty to operational missions. Initial Lot 1 deliveries are expected in 2029, following Milestone C approval in May, while the programme of record covers 76 air vehicles, including development and test aircraft as well as the future operational fleet.