MQ-25A Stingray Clears Major Milestone as U.S. Navy Moves Toward Unmanned Carrier Aviation

The U.S. Navy’s MQ-25A Stingray has taken another major step toward becoming an operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft.

The Stingray completed its first test flight on April 25, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the development of the Navy’s unmanned carrier aviation capabilities.

On May 19, Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao announced that the MQ-25A had received Milestone C approval, allowing the program to proceed toward Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP).

The first LRIP Lot 1 contract is expected to cover three aircraft, with options planned for three additional aircraft in Lot 2 and five in Lot 3.

Designed primarily as an unmanned aerial refueling tanker, the MQ-25A will provide aerial refueling support to carrier-based aircraft. By taking over the tanker mission, the Stingray is intended to free more F/A-18E/F Super Hornets for strike missions while extending the operational reach of the Carrier Air Wing.

The aircraft also represents a major step toward integrating unmanned systems alongside crewed aircraft aboard U.S. Navy carriers.

The MQ-25A program includes both the unmanned aircraft and its Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System, which will enable operators to control and manage the aircraft.

With first-flight testing completed and Milestone C approval achieved, the Stingray program is now moving toward production and further flight testing as the Navy develops its future manned-unmanned carrier air wing.