UAV / UCAV
MQ-25 Stingray
The MQ-25 Stingray is an unmanned carrier-based aerial refuelling tanker developed by Boeing for the US Navy in the United States, first flown in 2019. It is meant to free Super Hornets from tanker duty, although its entry into service has slipped to about 2029.
United States|Boeing (Boeing Defense, Space & Security)What Is the MQ-25 Stingray? Overview, History and Development
The MQ-25 came out of the cancelled UCLASS programme, which the Navy refocused on tanking in 2016. Boeing won the contract in August 2018, worth about US$805 million for four development aircraft. The Boeing-owned T1 test aircraft first flew on 19 September 2019. It is powered by one Rolls-Royce AE 3007N turbofan, is about 15.5 m long and carries about 6.8 t of fuel at a radius of about 926 km.
The MQ-25 refuelled an F/A-18F in June 2021, an E-2D in August 2021 and an F-35C in September 2021, and began deck tests aboard USS George H.W. Bush in December 2021. The Navy ordered its first production lot of three in 2024 and a production-configuration aircraft flew in April 2026. The plan covers 76 aircraft, with initial capability pushed to 2029. The US Navy is the only customer.
MQ-25 Stingray Specifications: Endurance, Range, Payload and Sensors
MQ-25 Stingray Variants and Versions Compared
The four test aircraft used for flight, refuelling and carrier deck trials before the production standard.
The production-configuration tanker, which first flew in April 2026 and will operate from US Navy carriers.
Possible later roles such as surveillance or strike discussed for the platform, which are concepts rather than funded programmes.
Which Countries Use the MQ-25 Stingray? Operators and Users
United StatesMQ-25 Stingray FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How much does the MQ-25 Stingray cost?
The MQ-25 Stingray costs roughly US$150 million per aircraft including a share of development, according to estimates, though GAO and Navy figures vary. Flyaway cost is lower, and the 2018 contract was about US$805 million for four test aircraft.
What is the MQ-25 used for?
The MQ-25 is used as an unmanned aerial refuelling tanker for US Navy carriers, offloading about 6.8 t of fuel at around 926 km. It frees F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, which currently fly the tanker role for the air wing.
When will the MQ-25 enter service?
The MQ-25 is expected to reach initial operational capability around 2029, after slipping from 2024 and then 2026, according to Navy statements in April 2026. The first production-configuration aircraft flew in April 2026.
Is the MQ-25 a stealth drone or armed?
The MQ-25 is not a stealth aircraft and is unarmed in its baseline form. Its shape is low-observable inspired, but it is built as a tanker, with a possible secondary surveillance role reported.
Which countries use the MQ-25?
The MQ-25 is used only by the US Navy, and no export customers have been announced. No Gulf or other navy has an unmanned carrier-based tanker in service, and the plan covers 76 aircraft.
Which aircraft can the MQ-25 refuel?
The MQ-25 has refuelled an F/A-18F Super Hornet in June 2021, an E-2D Hawkeye in August 2021 and an F-35C in September 2021. These tests showed it can supply the main fixed-wing types of a US carrier air wing.
