Boeing has received a $562 million US Navy contract to enter low-rate initial production of the MQ-25A Stingray carrier-based unmanned tanker. The award moves the programme beyond its development phase and toward the eventual introduction of the aircraft into operational naval service. Under the agreement, Boeing will produce three Stingrays as part of the first production lot. The contract also funds advance purchases of long-lead materials and components for three additional aircraft planned under Lot 2. The MQ-25A is designed to provide an uncrewed aerial refueling capability from US Navy aircraft carriers. By transferring fuel to carrier-based aircraft, the drone is intended to increase the range and endurance available to manned naval aviation assets. The low-rate production contract establishes the first group of production aircraft while supporting procurement activities for the subsequent lot, creating a path toward larger-scale manufacturing and eventual fleet deployment.
