MQ-25 Stingray

The MQ-25 Stingray is the US Navy's first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft, designed to provide organic aerial refueling capability to carrier air wings — dramatically extending the combat radius of F/A-18 Super Hornets, F-35Cs, and E-2D Hawkeyes currently limited by the range of the Super Hornet in its tanker role. Boeing was awarded the full development contract in 2018, and the MQ-25 T1 demonstrator completed its first carrier-based arrested landing in July 2021 aboard the USS George H.W. Bush — making it the first unmanned aircraft to do so. In the tanker configuration, the MQ-25 can offload approximately 6,800 kg (15,000 lbs) of fuel at 500 nautical miles from the carrier.

The MQ-25's significance extends beyond the immediate refueling mission. By taking over the 20–30% of Super Hornet sorties currently dedicated to 'buddy tanking,' the Stingray frees crewed aircraft for combat missions and reduces crew fatigue from repetitive tanking flights. It also demonstrates the US Navy's ability to operate a large autonomous aircraft from a carrier deck — a critical proof of concept for future armed carrier-based UAS. A strike-capable variant has been openly discussed, and the MQ-25 airframe's internal volume could accommodate ISR sensors or jamming payloads. The program is on track for initial operational capability with carrier air wings in the late 2020s.