Boeing receives MQ-25 contract from US Navy
Boeing has received an $805 million contract to build the US Navy’s first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft, the MQ-25 aerial refueller, the company announced on 30 August.
The company has been awarded the engineering and manufacturing development contract to provide four aircraft.
MQ-25 Stingray, designed to provide the navy with a refuelling capability, will allow for better use of combat strike fighters by extending the range of F/A-18 Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler and F-35C aircraft. MQ-25 will also integrate with carrier catapult and launch and recovery systems.
Leanne Caret, president and CEO, Boeing Defense, Space and Security, said: ‘As a company, we made an investment in both our team and in an unmanned aircraft system that meets the US Navy’s refuelling requirements.
‘The fact that we’re already preparing for first flight is thanks to an outstanding team who understands the navy and their need to have this important asset on carrier decks around the world.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
-
![Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities]()
Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities
Funds for the second phase of this effort will be allocated in the US Department of Defense (DoD) FY2026 budget request.
