Navy's MQ-25 Stingray Drone Completes First Flight, Faces Deployment Delay Until 2029
The U.S. Navy's MQ-25 Stingray, an unmanned aerial refueler developed by Boeing, has successfully completed its first flight. This milestone marks significant progress in the program, which aims to extend the operational reach of the Navy's carrier-based aircraft. Despite this achievement, the MQ-25 is not expected to be operational on aircraft carriers until 2029, a delay from its original 2024 target. The program has faced several setbacks, including design challenges and supply chain disruptions exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Navy plans to conduct further flight tests in Illinois and later move to Maryland for carrier qualifications. 
