The MQ-25 Stingray drone program of the United States Navy has faced new delays and has not advanced to the decisive production phase, known as Milestone C.
Supply chain issues, quality failures, and difficulties in the testing schedule have affected the original planning, according to a Pentagon report.
One of the main obstacles was the inconsistency of the data used in evaluations. The available information was obtained from a prototype that differs significantly from the final production model, including internal systems, communication, and ground control. According to evaluators, this prevents a reliable assessment to authorize the start of full-scale production.
Additionally, the timeline has been impacted by delays in the development and delivery of test aircraft. The first model closer to the operational version was only delivered in 2025, with flight tests expected to begin in 2026. Despite this, Boeing has already conducted initial ground movement tests with the first MQ-25A, indicating gradual progress in the project.
Designed to operate from aircraft carriers, the MQ-25’s primary mission is to perform aerial refueling and expand the fleet’s surveillance capabilities. The expectation is that the drone will free up fighter jets from this role, increasing the efficiency of naval operations. However, before that happens, the program still needs to overcome technical challenges and meet strict testing requirements.
Source: Defence Blog | Photo: X @BoeingDefense | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
