U.S. Navy MQ‑25A Stingray Taxi Test Marks Key Ground Milestone
The U.S. Navy’s MQ‑25A Stingray unmanned tanker completed its first autonomous taxi test on January 30, 2026, Boeing and naval officials confirmed, advancing a major step toward flight trials and carrier integration. This test saw the aircraft move under its own power and execute controlled ground handling in a key validation of navigation, steering, and mission software.
The MQ‑25A Stingray is designed to serve as the Navy’s first operational carrier‑based unmanned aerial refueling system. Its primary role is to take over organic aerial refueling duties from manned aircraft, freeing fighters like the F/A‑18E/F Super Hornet and F‑35C Lightning II for core missions.
Ground Handling Test at Boeing’s MidAmerica Facility
The autonomous taxi event took place at Boeing’s facility near MidAmerica Airport in Illinois, where the production‑representative MQ‑25A taxied under its own power for the first time. Navy test squadrons Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX‑23) and UX‑24, which specializes in unmanned system development, oversaw the event.
According to Boeing’s statement, the aircraft executed a series of maneuvers, including steering and braking, in response to commands from Air Vehicle Pilots using the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System. The objective was to confirm that the autonomy stack can manage ground control tasks ahead of flight‑clearance activities.
Taxi trials are a required phase before an unmanned aircraft proceeds to take‑off. They verify propulsion, braking, steering, and other ground systems under conditions that simulate carrier deck handling without immediate hazards of flight.
Context for the MQ‑25A Program
The MQ‑25 program originated in the 2010s to fill a critical capability gap in carrier air wings. Navy analysts concluded that manned fighters spending flight hours on aerial refueling duties reduced overall combat capacity. The unmanned tanker aims to return that flight time to operational missions.
The first MQ‑25 test aircraft flew in 2019 under a Boeing‑Navy partnership, completing early autonomous operations including basic taxi and take‑off during developmental testing.
Production representative aircraft such as the one in the January 30 test are now progressing through ground trials ahead of flight testing planned for 2026, after software certification and final airworthiness reviews.
What This Means for Future Carrier Use
The autonomous taxi milestone is a key enabler for future carrier deck operations. Carrier flight decks are high‑risk environments with limited tolerance for errors in aircraft movement. Demonstrating predictable ground handling under autonomous control reduces risk before attempting launch and recovery operations at sea.
Once operational, the MQ‑25A will deliver tens of thousands of pounds of fuel to receiver aircraft, extending the operational range of carriers without drawing manned aircraft away from core missions.
Beyond tanking, Navy planners see potential for the MQ‑25A to support other roles such as persistent ISR or communications relay once routine carrier operations are established.
Next Steps Toward Flight Testing
Following the taxi runs, the MQ‑25A will continue ground tests and prepare for its first flight attempt once certification criteria are met. Navy and Boeing leaders have said the program remains on track for initial flight testing in 2026.
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