U.S. Navy awards Boeing $805 million MQ-25 contract

The Boeing Co., which has been providing carrier aircraft to the U.S. Navy for more than 90 years, will build the Navy’s first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft.

The company was recently awarded an $805 million contract for the MQ-25 aerial refueler, designed to extend the range of carrier-based manned aircraft. Boeing was awarded the engineering and manufacturing development contract to provide four aircraft. The company said it plans to perform the MQ-25 work in St. Louis.

“As a company, we made an investment in both our team and in an unmanned aircraft system that meets the U.S. Navy’s refueling requirements,” said Leanne Caret, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space and Security. “The fact that we’re already preparing for first flight is thanks to an outstanding team who understands the Navy and their need to have this important asset on carrier decks around the world.”

MQ-25 is designed to provide the U.S. Navy with a much-needed refueling capability. According to the Navy, the MQ-25 Stingray will allow for better use of combat strike fighters by extending the range of deployed Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, Boeing EA-18G Growler, and Lockheed Martin F-35C aircraft. The MQ-25 will also be integrated with a carrier’s catapult and launch and recovery systems.