The Navy has conducted its first test flight of the Boeing-manufactured MQ-25 Stingray, a milestone that follows production delays and a budget reprogramming.

The aircraft demonstrated the ability to autonomously taxi, take off, fly, land and respond to commands from a ground control station, Boeing announced today.

"The first flight of the MQ-25A is a landmark achievement for the Navy-Boeing team and a critical step toward the future of the carrier air wing,” said Rear Adm. Tony Rossi, who oversees the program executive office for unmanned aviation and strike weapons. "This flight demonstrates our progress in delivering a carrier-based refueling capability that will significantly extend the reach and lethality of our fleet."

The aircraft will primarily serve as an aerial refueler as part of the carrier air wing, supporting F/A-18 Super Hornets in their strike-fighter role.

The MQ-25A that participated in the flight test is the first of four Engineering Development Model aircraft that will be delivered to the Navy, according to the announcement. The service plans to conduct additional test flights to validate controls and capabilities, before the aircraft is transitioned to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD, where it will prepare for carrier qualifications.

Along with the first flight, a milestone C decision -- certification to begin production -- will also occur this spring, a Navy spokesperson has told Inside Defense. While originally planned for fiscal year 2023, an extended EMD phase and delays with test air vehicle production pushed this deadline.

The Navy plans to buy three MQ-25s in fiscal year 2026 and recently outlined plans in budget documents to purchase another three in FY-27.

Last year, Naval Air Forces Commander Vice Adm. Daniel Cheever said the refueler is set to be on a carrier by 2026.

Despite the milestone announced today, the program still faces delays -- especially in reaching initial operational capability. In FY-26, MQ-25 was projected to reach IOC by the third quarter of FY-27. According to budget documents released just last week, the program is now set to reach IOC by the second quarter of FY-29 -- a nearly two-year delay.