Boeing Awarded First Production Order for 3 MQ-25A Carrier-Based Unmanned Tankers

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On September 14, the U.S. Navy awarded Boeing a low-rate initial production Lot 1 order for 3 MQ-25A Stingray carrier-based unmanned tankers. This award brings the total number of MQ-25A aircraft under contract with the U.S. Navy to 14 and formally transitions the program from the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase into the low-rate initial production phase. The Lot 2 production batch is planned to be awarded in 2027, with long-lead material procurement already initiated in parallel with Lot 1.

Prior to this production order, the MQ-25A program comprised 4 engineering development model aircraft, 5 system demonstration test aircraft, and 2 ground test articles for static and fatigue testing. The U.S. Navy completed Milestone C approval in May 2026, establishing the acquisition conditions for the program to enter low-rate initial production; the acquisition plan announced at that time included the three Lot 1 aircraft and reserved acquisition paths for subsequent Lot 2 and Lot 3 production batches.

The MQ-25A is an unmanned aircraft system for U.S. Navy carrier operations, with aerial refueling as its primary mission. The complete system consists of the MQ-25 air vehicle and the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System, with the U.S. Navy's PMA-268 program office responsible for system integration. The aircraft is powered by a single Rolls-Royce AE 3007N engine, has a length of approximately 15.5 meters, a wingspan of approximately 22.9 meters, and approximately 9.5 meters when folded, allowing it to accommodate carrier deck storage and operations.

The first U.S. Navy MQ-25A completed its maiden flight of approximately two hours on April 25, validating basic flight control and coordinated operation with the MD-5 ground control station; a second test flight was completed in July, adding landing gear cycling and new software validation. Upon receiving commands from the ground control system, the aircraft can autonomously manage its propulsion system, guidance, flight control, and related subsystems.

With the Lot 1 order confirmed, Boeing will enter the manufacturing phase for the first production aircraft and preparations for subsequent deliveries, and will begin aircraft deliveries and operator training in the coming years. The U.S. Navy will continue to evaluate follow-on bulk procurement after the low-rate initial production batches are completed, and will proceed to the full-rate production decision phase accordingly.