The U.S. Navy is building up its fleet of unmanned aircraft to increase mission endurance while reducing risk to warfighters. Among it’s growing fixed-wing drone arsenal is the MQ-25 Stingray – a game changer for naval operations.
The MQ-25 is carrier-based and designed for aerial refueling. With an incredible payload of 15,000 pounds of fuel and a range of more than 500 miles, the MQ-25 extends reach while freeing up manned fighters.
In April 2026 Boeing and the U.S. Navy successfully completed the first test flight of an operational MQ-25A Stingray. This milestone advances the Stingray closer to aircraft carrier operations and marks the beginning of a new era in naval aviation. The Navy is planning for initial operational capability and full carrier integration in the coming years.