The US Navy has awarded Boeing a $562 million contract for the low-rate initial production (LRIP) of three MQ-25A Stingray unmanned aerial refuelers.
The fixed-price incentive contract, awarded on September 14, covers the three aircraft that make up LRIP Lot 1, as well as funding for long-lead components for three additional aircraft planned under Lot 2. Initial deliveries of the Lot 1 aircraft are expected to begin in 2029, according to the Navy.
The award moves the MQ-25A program from development and testing into low-rate production. Boeing said the three LRIP aircraft bring the total number of MQ-25As under contract to 14. Lot 2 is planned for award in 2027.
The US Navy previously granted the program Milestone C approval in May 2026, allowing it to enter the Production and Deployment phase following the aircraft's first flight in April.
The MQ-25A is being developed as the Navy's first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft. Its primary mission is aerial refueling, allowing it to take over the tanker role from crewed aircraft and extend the operational reach of the carrier air wing.
The navy also said the program will support the integration of unmanned aircraft alongside crewed platforms aboard aircraft carriers.
The MQ-25A program of record comprises 76 aircraft, including four engineering development and manufacturing aircraft and five system demonstration test articles. The service said seven test aircraft are currently in production at Boeing facilities in St. Louis and Mascoutah, Illinois.
Boeing's development effort has included four engineering development model aircraft, five system demonstration test articles and two ground test articles for static and fatigue testing. The LRIP award is intended to support the transition to production while the US Navy and Boeing continue testing and work to reduce technical and program risks ahead of subsequent production lots.
“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," said Troy Rutherford, MQ-25 Program vice president.
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.