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.
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