US Navy issues Lot 1 LRIP contract for Stingray long-lead production items
The USN has placed a Lot 1 LRIP long-lead production items contract for MQ-25 Stingray aerial refuelling UAVs. (Photo: USN)
Boeing is to complete work on a Lot 1 LRIP production items contract for the MQ-25 Stingray by September 2026.
Boeing has obtained a $47.47 million LRIP contract from Naval Air Systems Command to produce and deliver long-lead production items for Lot 1 MQ-25 Stingray aerial refuelling UAVs for the USN.
Work on the advanced procurement contract will be performed at nine US and two Canadian locations, for completion by September 2026.
Primarily designed to extend the combat range of F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler and F-35C aircraft for the USN, the Stingray is also designed to undertake ISR missions as a secondary capability.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the MQ-25 programme will pioneer the integration of manned and unmanned operations, utilise mature and complex sea-based C4I technologies and hopefully pave the way for future multi-facilitated, multi-mission UASs to keep pace with emerging threats.
This article was amended on 3 October to emphasise that the contract is for long-lead production items.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![UK MoD awards investment for full production of RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoon radar upgrade]()
UK MoD awards investment for full production of RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoon radar upgrade
The contract deal will enable the production and integration of the Eurofighter Typhoon’s new Eurofighter Common Radar System Mk 2 on part of the UK Royal Air Force’s fleet.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: APAC countries explore fleet upgrade and expansion opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: APAC countries explore fleet upgrade and expansion opportunities
Ahead of the Singapore Airshow 2026, opportunities for defence firms to upgrade or replace ageing aircraft remain strong, with tactical transport, combat aircraft and maritime patrol aircraft at the top of potential procurement lists.
-
![Anduril awarded latest OPF-L contract with around $155.2 million still up for grabs]()
Anduril awarded latest OPF-L contract with around $155.2 million still up for grabs
As the US Marine Corps continues to push loitering munitions as a core battlefield tool, Shephard looks at how the latest contract award factors into future potential purchases.
-
![GA-ASI makes strides with further MQ-20 intercept test success]()
GA-ASI makes strides with further MQ-20 intercept test success
The latest test of advanced autonomy development focused on human-machine teaming, loading a mission profile onto the platform.
