MQ-25A Cleared for Low-Rate Initial Production

The MQ-25 Stingray autonomously executes its predetermined mission plan during its inaugural test flight on April 25, 2026 | Photo: Boeing/U.S. Navy

The U.S. Navy has moved the MQ-25A Stingray unmanned aircraft program to Milestone C, allowing it to proceed toward Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP). The decision follows the aircraft’s first flight in April and marks another stage in the program’s development process.

The MQ-25A Stingray is intended to become the U.S. Navy’s first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft. Its primary role is aerial refueling, extending the operating range of carrier-based aircraft and supporting carrier strike group operations.

The U.S. Navy’s Milestone C approval allows Boeing to move from the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase toward the production stage. A contract for low-rate initial production can now be awarded.

Troy Rutherford, Vice President, Boeing MQ-25 Program, said, “We remain focused on getting this game-changing unmanned aircraft into the hands of the fleet and integrated into the carrier air wing.”

Acting Secretary of the Navy, Hung Cao said, “Unmanned refueling extends our reach against any adversary. Moving the MQ-25A Stingray to Milestone C and into production is arming our warfighters with a capability that increases the lethality of our Carrier Strike Groups. This is a decisive advantage that delivers our warfighters what they need to fight and win.”

Captain Daniel Fucito, Unmanned Carrier Aviation Program Manager, said, “The aircraft is ready, production is ready, and the program is ready to move this groundbreaking capability forward, paving the way for unmanned carrier aviation and enhancing fleet capability, capacity and lethality.”

The program’s EMD phase includes four Engineering Development Model aircraft, five system demonstration test articles, and two ground test articles.