U.S. Navy Releases New Photos of MQ-25A Stingray Unmanned Tanker Drone Aboard USS Nimitz
The U.S. Navy has released new images of the MQ-25A T1 unmanned aerial refueling demonstrator aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, taken during the FLEETEX 250 exercise. The appearance coincides with the U.S. 250th anniversary and offers a glimpse of the future carrier air wing. With a 75-ft wingspan, the MQ-25A can transfer approximately 15,000 lbs of fuel at 500 nautical miles. The Navy plans to procure 76 aircraft at an estimated unit cost of $181.6 million.
Highlights
- The U.S. Navy released new photos of the MQ-25A T1 unmanned tanker drone aboard USS Nimitz during the FLEETEX 250 exercise, timed to the U.S. 250th anniversary.
- The MQ-25A has a wingspan of 22.9 m and can transfer approximately 6.8 metric tons of fuel to carrier-based aircraft at a range of 930 km.
- The Navy plans to procure 76 MQ-25A aircraft at an estimated unit cost of $181.6 million each.
- The first production-representative MQ-25A entered its flight test program in April 2026.
- The MQ-25A will replace the aerial refueling role currently performed by F/A-18E Super Hornets, returning those aircraft to front-line strike missions.
U.S. Navy Releases New Photos of MQ-25A Stingray Carrier-Based Unmanned Tanker
The U.S. Navy has released a new set of images documenting the MQ-25A T1 unmanned aerial refueling demonstrator aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz during the FLEETEX 250 exercise. The carrier deck appearance was reportedly tied to a commemorative photography event marking the United States' 250th anniversary, while also offering a rare public look at the future composition of the carrier air wing.
Size Comparison with the F/A-18E Super Hornet
The newly released photos provide a clear visual comparison between the MQ-25A and the F/A-18E Super Hornet:
- MQ-25A: Wingspan 22.9 m (75 ft), length 15.5 m (51 ft)
- F/A-18E Super Hornet: Wingspan 13.7 m (45 ft), length 18.5 m (61 ft)
The MQ-25A features a significantly wider wingspan than the Super Hornet, though its fuselage is somewhat shorter — an aerodynamic configuration designed for long-range aerial refueling missions rather than high-speed combat maneuvering.
Core Mission: Freeing Up Strike Fighters for Combat
According to the U.S. Navy, the MQ-25A is designed to offload approximately 6.8 metric tons (15,000 lbs) of fuel to carrier-based aircraft at a range of around 500 nautical miles (930 km). The drone will take over the tanking role currently performed by F/A-18E Super Hornets, freeing those aircraft from logistical support duties and returning them to front-line strike missions.
Procurement Plans and Development Status
The U.S. Navy plans to procure a total of 76 MQ-25A aircraft. The first production-representative aircraft reportedly entered flight testing in April 2026. Based on available program data, the estimated unit cost is approximately $181.6 million.
The formal entry of the MQ-25A into service will mark a new era of deep drone integration within the U.S. carrier air wing, with far-reaching implications for future naval warfare.
Image credit: U.S. Navy
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