U.S. Navy Approves Low-Rate Production of MQ-25A Stingray, Enhancing Carrier Capabilities
The U.S. Navy has approved the MQ-25A Stingray for low-rate initial production and deployment, as announced by Acting Secretary of the Navy, Hung Cao, during a Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing. The MQ-25A, developed by Boeing, is the first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft designed to relieve the Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornets of their aerial refueling duties. This transition marks a significant milestone in the defense acquisition process, allowing the program to move from the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase into production and deployment. The MQ-25A's development has been ongoing since a $805 million contract was signed in 2018, with the Navy planning to acquire 72 aircraft at an estimated cost of $13 billion. 
