Aviation News – The U.S. Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray uncrewed aerial refueling aircraft has officially reached Milestone C, clearing the way for Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) less than a month after its first flight. The decision marks a major step in modernizing carrier aviation and expanding the Navy’s autonomous operational capabilities.
The milestone was announced by Hung Cao during a United States Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on May 19, 2026. The MQ-25 Stingray, developed by Boeing for the United States Navy, completed its first flight on April 25, 2026, accelerating the program toward production approval. According to the Navy’s aviation acquisition office, an LRIP Lot 1 contract covering three aircraft is expected to be awarded this summer, with options for an additional eight aircraft in later production lots.
Designed as the Navy’s first operational carrier-based uncrewed tanker, the MQ-25 Stingray will extend the range of manned aircraft by conducting mid-air refueling missions. By taking over tanker duties previously handled by fighter jets such as the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, the platform will allow combat aircraft to focus on frontline missions, improving both operational reach and carrier air wing efficiency.
