- Boeing will conduct the work in St. Louis through October 2031
- The MQ-25A Stingray was cleared for low-rate initial production in May
- The 2027 Defense R&D Summit will explore unmanned systems and other advanced technologies
Boeing has secured a potential $80 million contract from the U.S. Navy to provide services for the continued development of the MQ-25A Stingray unmanned aircraft system.
Defense contractors tracking opportunities in emerging technologies can explore the latest research priorities at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2027 Defense R&D Summit on Feb. 4. The event will feature discussions on unmanned systems, trusted AI, quantum computing and advanced space technologies, alongside insights from Department of War and national security officials. Attend the summit to connect with leaders across the defense innovation community.
What Is the Scope of the MQ-25A Stingray Contract?
The Department of War said Friday the cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-no-fee indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity agreement involves developing and integrating aircraft configurations to support the MQ-25A Stingray’s capabilities. Boeing will also support production preparation and system sustainment, with work to be performed in St. Louis, Missouri, through October 2031.
The Navy will allocate funding as individual orders are issued under the sole-source contract. Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
How Does the Award Fit Into the MQ-25A Program?
The award comes after the Navy awarded Boeing a $562 million fixed-price-incentive contract in September for Lot 1 low-rate initial production of the MQ-25A Stingray, the service’s first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft. The contract funds three Lot 1 aircraft and long-lead components for three Lot 2 aircraft, with initial deliveries expected in 2029.
The production contract followed the Navy’s May announcement that the MQ-25A had received Milestone C approval, clearing the program for production. The approval came after the aircraft’s first flight test in April.
What Other MQ-25A Contracts Has Boeing Received?
In 2024, Boeing received a potential $657.1 million contract modification to produce and deliver two more MQ-25 Stingray System Demonstration Test Article aircraft. The modification also covered changes to the aircraft’s tooling and communication systems, as well as nonrecurring engineering to support the program’s low-rate initial production phase.
The company secured a $115.1 million order in 2023 to provide the Navy with initial spares and repair equipment for the unmanned aircraft. The sole-source order included software upgrades, engineering support and cybersecurity services.
