The Navy said the decision marks a major step in its effort to develop unmanned carrier aviation. An LRIP Lot 1 contract for three aircraft is expected to be awarded this summer, with priced options for Lot 2 covering three aircraft and Lot 3 covering five aircraft.
“Unmanned refueling extends our reach against any adversary,” Cao said. “Moving the MQ-25A Stingray to Milestone C and into production is arming our warfighters with a capability that increases the lethality of our Carrier Strike Groups.”
“This is a decisive advantage that delivers our warfighters what they need to fight and win,” Cao added.
The MQ-25A is described by the Navy as the world’s first fully integrated, carrier-based unmanned aerial vehicle. The aircraft is intended to provide organic aerial refuelling for carrier air wings, allowing more F/A-18E/F Super Hornets to focus on strike missions.
The Navy said the Stingray will expand the operational reach of the carrier air wing while helping preserve the service life of F/A-18E/F aircraft. The programme is also intended to support the integration of unmanned systems alongside crewed platforms within the carrier air wing.
“Milestone C approval represents an important step for this program,” said Vice Adm. John E. Dougherty IV, Portfolio Acquisition Executive Aviation. “MQ 25A will provide persistent aerial refueling and unlock greater capacity across the air wing, ensuring our carrier strike groups remain lethal, flexible, and forward ready.”
Capt. Daniel Fucito, Unmanned Carrier Aviation programme manager, said the programme is prepared to advance into production. “The aircraft is ready, production is ready, and the program is ready to move this groundbreaking capability forward, paving the way for unmanned carrier aviation and enhancing fleet capability, capacity and lethality,” Fucito said.
