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
-
![“A dominant force”: empowering Europe’s airborne ISR in a new era]()
“A dominant force”: empowering Europe’s airborne ISR in a new era
European militaries face a new security landscape, with the proliferation of drones, theatre ballistic missiles and other threats boosting requirements for airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and related systems. For L3Harris, missionised business jets are central to meeting these needs, providing capability and flexibility in a cost-effective package.
-
![Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market]()
Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market
Following its investment into WinnyLab, Terra Drone unveiled a new long-range fixed-wing addition to its interceptor drone portfolio as it seeks to bring combat-proven technology back to Japan and expand into global export markets.
-
![April air forces review: Next-gen platform push ties in with fleet modernisation plans]()
April air forces review: Next-gen platform push ties in with fleet modernisation plans
Countries releasing their spending budgets over the past month have placed an emphasis on advancing next-generation crewed programmes as well as upgrades and expansion plans for air combat and aerial refuelling capabilities.
-
![What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?]()
What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?
With a pending NATO AWACS replacement on the horizon, the demand and market opportunities for airborne early warning aircraft remain strong as countries look to bolster their capabilities, with industry eyeing gaps in the market.
-
![NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)]()
NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)
Developed in response to NATO’s needs, NHIndustries’ NH90 remains a cornerstone of European and Middle Eastern fleets – with upgrades planned to extend and improve the capabilities of the versatile and capable platform.
