The U.S. Navy has awarded Boeing a contract for the low-rate initial production (LRIP) of three MQ-25A StingrayTM aircraft. The three aircraft will make up Lot 1 of LRIP, with Lot 2 planned to be awarded in 2027.
Why it matters: The award for three aircraft brings the total to 14 aircraft under contract and is one more step toward bringing the U.S. Navy’s first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft onto Navy aircraft carriers.
“This award validates our team’s hard work and positions us to deliver additional aircraft with critical capability to the Navy,” said Derek Attwood, MQ-25A LRIP program manager. “We look forward to supporting the customer through the LRIP deliveries.”
Driving the news: Before the Lot 1 award, Boeing was in the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase of the MQ-25A Stingray’s development life cycle, which includes:
- 4 Engineering Development Model aircraft
- 5 System Demonstration Test Articles
- 2 ground test articles (static and fatigue)
The Lot 1 award transitions the program from development and test into low-rate production, validating the design, production processes and supply-chain readiness. Lot 2 long-lead procurement has been awarded concurrent to the Lot 1 award.
The big picture: Boeing and the Navy will continue to work together to reduce technical and programmatic risk ahead of future MQ-25A awards, accelerating delivery of unmanned aerial refueling capability to extend the carrier air wing’s reach.
“Reaching this milestone shows how we’re redefining naval aviation and expanding what autonomy can do. We remain committed to providing stability and consistent execution of the production system to fulfill our commitments to the fleet.” — Troy Rutherford, MQ-25 Program vice president
What’s next: Over the next few years, Boeing will complete initial production builds, start deliveries and begin operator training. Full-rate production decisions will follow LRIP awards.
Go deeper: Read the U.S. Navy news release here.
By Kelsey Chadwick
