US Navy confirms MQ-25 Stingray first flight tests for this year
An MQ-25 Stingray undergoes testing aboard the USS George H.W. Bush. (Photo: Boeing)
The system will be the world’s first operational, carrier-based unmanned aircraft, according to the US Navy.
The US Navy’s (USN) tanker and carrier MQ-25 Stingray UAV will start flight tests with the branch this year. The information was confirmed last week by the Commander of the Naval Air Forces, VAdm Daniel L. Cheever.
Speaking in a webinar conducted by the US-based think tank Center for International and Strategic Studies (CSIS), Cheever claimed that the “MQ-25 will fly in 2025 and then do the integration on the carrier in 26”.
The system is planned to be part of tomorrow’s Carrier Air Wing (CVW) operating from all the branch’s Nimitz and Ford class vessels.
According to the USN,
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Naval primes dive into an underwater acquisition gold rush]()
Naval primes dive into an underwater acquisition gold rush
A cluster of acquisitions by Fincantieri, Thales, Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall points to a race to secure underwater warfare, autonomy and sensing capability.
-
![Baltic naval priorities shift towards mine warfare and versatile platforms]()
Baltic naval priorities shift towards mine warfare and versatile platforms
Baltic states are investing in mine warfare, uncrewed systems and multirole platforms as major warship purchases remain scarce, industry sources indicate.
-
![India’s mine countermeasure drive triggers rush of new partnerships]()
India’s mine countermeasure drive triggers rush of new partnerships
Parallel procurement pathways for crewed mine countermeasure vessels and uncrewed systems underline a shift towards next-generation mine warfare for the Indian Navy.
-
![Finland’s naval sector eyes growth opportunities in NATO era]()
Finland’s naval sector eyes growth opportunities in NATO era
Finland’s naval industrial base is expanding as NATO membership, Baltic Sea security concerns and proximity to Russia push shipbuilders and equipment makers to capture new roles.
-
![Force renewal in the Royal Canadian Navy opens long-term opportunities for suppliers]()
Force renewal in the Royal Canadian Navy opens long-term opportunities for suppliers
Canada's ambitious naval modernisation plans are creating major maritime procurement opportunities, with future programmes also promising long-term work for domestic and international shipbuilders.
-
![The unanswered design question at the heart of India’s P75I submarine programme]()
The unanswered design question at the heart of India’s P75I submarine programme
ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems is edging toward an India submarine deal, but an unverified claim of a radically new hull design – at odds with the proven lineage it has marketed to Canada – has yet to be resolved.
