WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Navy estimates that developing and procuring a fleet of 72 MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial refueling aircraft will cost $15.2 billion, nearly $2 billion more than the original estimate of $13.3 billion. The revised figure was outlined in the program's initial Selected Acquisition Report, a document that tracks funding requirements for major defense programs.
Boeing was selected to build the MQ-25 in August 2018, and was awarded an $805 million development contract. The company beat out Lockheed Martin, General Atomics, and Northrop Grumman.
Boeing disclosed a $291 million loss related to their bid. The loss was the result of internal financing used to fund the company's prototype aircraft, and will be made up with earnings later in the program's lifecycle.
The MQ-25 is expected to take its initial flight this year, but carrier flight tests will not begin until 2021. The new unmanned fleet will alleviate pressure on existing F-18s used for aerial refueling missions, allowing those aircraft to focus on other missions.
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