MQ-25A Completes First U.S. Navy Test Flight

The first operational U.S. Navy MQ-25A Stingray flies over southern Illinois during a successful two-hour first flight on April 25, 2026 | Photo: Boeing/Eric Shindelbower

Boeing and the United States Navy have completed the first test flight of an operational MQ-25A Stingray, marking a step in the program’s development toward carrier-based operations.

The two-hour flight took place at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah, Illinois, where the MQ-25 program is based. During the mission, the aircraft demonstrated autonomous taxi, takeoff, flight, and landing. It also responded to commands sent from the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System MD-5 Ground Control Station. Boeing and Navy personnel issued commands and monitored the aircraft’s performance from the ground control station.

After takeoff, the MQ-25A carried out a pre-determined mission plan designed to validate its flight controls, navigation systems, and integration with the ground control system. The test is part of ongoing work to prepare the aircraft for use aboard aircraft carriers.

“Today’s successful flight builds on years of learning from our MQ-25A T1 prototype and represents a major maturation of the program,” said Dan Gillian, vice president and general manager, Boeing Air Dominance. “The MQ-25A is the most complex autonomous system ever developed for the carrier environment, and this historic achievement advances us closer to safely integrating the Stingray into the carrier air wing.”

The MQ-25A is intended to provide aerial refueling capability for carrier-based aircraft. This function is expected to extend the operational range of the carrier air wing. It may also allow aircraft such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet to shift focus from refueling missions to other operational roles.

“The first flight of the MQ-25A is a landmark achievement for the Navy-Boeing team and a critical step toward the future of the carrier air wing,” said Rear Admiral Tony Rossi, who oversees the Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons. “This flight demonstrates our progress in delivering a carrier-based refueling capability that will significantly extend the reach and lethality of our fleet.”

The aircraft used in the test is the first of four Engineering Development Model units to be delivered under an $805 million Engineering and Manufacturing Development contract.

“Watching our first Navy aircraft complete an autonomous flight underscores what disciplined teamwork and rigorous testing deliver,” said Troy Rutherford, vice president, Boeing MQ-25 program. “Today would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our Boeing, Navy, and industry team. Together, we are redefining the future of naval aviation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with autonomy.”

Further test flights are planned at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport to continue validating the aircraft’s systems before the program moves to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, for carrier qualification testing.