MQ-25 Stingray is Boeing's carrier-based unmanned aerial refueling aircraft that extends the range of the carrier air wing and provides secondary ISR capabilities.

# Boeing MQ-25 Stingray – Carrier-Based Unmanned Aerial Refueler

The MQ-25 Stingray is an operational carrier-capable unmanned aircraft system developed by Boeing to provide organic aerial refueling for the U.S. Navy’s carrier air wing. Designed to operate from aircraft carriers, MQ-25’s primary mission is unmanned aerial refueling (UAR), giving combat aircraft increased range and persistent reach. The system also delivers secondary intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, leveraging a modular payload approach for mission flexibility.

Key Features and Capabilities

• Carrier Integration: Engineered for deck handling, folding wings, and seamless integration with carrier launch/recovery and flight-deck operations.

• Aerial Refueling: Provides dedicated unmanned refueling to extend the combat radius of F/A-18, EA-18G, F-35C and other carrier assets, reducing reliance on manned tankers.

• Autonomy & Safety: Incorporates autonomous mission management, advanced flight controls, and software architectures enabling manned-unmanned teaming and safe deck operations.

• Proven Test History: Early test assets demonstrated carrier integration and in-flight refueling of manned aircraft, validating design concepts and operational handling.

• Industry Team: Built with a broad supplier and integrator base for engines, avionics, sensors, communications and carrier systems support.