Boeing awarded $80 million Navy contract for MQ-25A Stingray

Boeing has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Navy's Naval Air Systems Command with a maximum value of $80 million. The indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) agreement is intended to support the continued development, integration, production readiness, and sustainment of the MQ-25A Stingray unmanned aircraft system (UAS).

Under this contract, Boeing will perform system improvements and configuration development to enhance the capabilities of the MQ-25A. The scope of work also includes preparing the aircraft for future production requirements and providing sustainment as the systems mature. Work is expected to be performed in St. Louis, Missouri, and is projected to continue through October 2031.

The MQ-25A Stingray program aims to provide aerial refueling for manned aircraft on nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, such as the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, allowing those jets to focus on their primary combat roles. This latest award follows a $562 million contract awarded to Boeing last September for the initial low-rate initial production of three aircraft.