The United States Navy has announced a major milestone in the MQ-25A Stingray tanker drone program, which has now officially entered the serial production phase.
The project has reached the “Milestone C” stage, concluding the main research and development phase and paving the way for low-rate initial production before full-scale manufacturing begins. The announcement was made by Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao.
The MQ-25 was developed to take over the carrier-based aerial refueling missions previously performed by F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets. By doing so, the Navy aims to preserve the operational lifespan of those aircraft and free up more units for combat, patrol, and strike missions. The drone will also help extend the operational range of carrier air wings.
According to U.S. budget documents, the Navy plans to acquire three additional MQ-25A aircraft in fiscal year 2027, while also investing in expanding the program’s industrial capacity. So far, six drones have been contracted under the overall plan of 76 units, including test models and aircraft intended for operational production.
The first MQ-25 officially owned by the Navy and produced by Boeing recently completed a test flight lasting more than two hours.
The program, launched nearly a decade ago, has faced delays and is now expected to achieve initial operational capability only in 2029.
The drone will use the Cobham aerial refueling system and will be capable of refueling aircraft such as the F-35C and the E-2D Hawkeye.
Today during the Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing, I announced the MQ-25A Stingray is moving into the production phase.
Integrating unmanned refueling extends the lethality of our Carrier Strike Groups and equips our force with a decisive advantage to fight and win… pic.twitter.com/uBs7Gc5mdX
— Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao (@SECNAV) May 19, 2026
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Source: Naval News | Photo: X @SECNAV | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
