Boeing's MQ-25A Drone Completes Successful Test Flight
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 02 2026
0mins
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- Project Milestone: Boeing won the $15.9 billion MQ-25A drone project in 2018, receiving an initial $805 million contract, and after eight years of development, the first drone has successfully completed its test flight, marking a significant step forward for the program.
- Technical Capability Demonstration: The MQ-25A showcased its ability to autonomously taxi, take off, fly, and land during testing, although it did not perform aerial refueling; this validation lays the groundwork for future carrier tests expected to begin by late 2026.
- Strategic Implications: Once operational, the MQ-25A is projected to enhance the strike capability of each carrier by approximately 33%, significantly bolstering the U.S. Navy's operational capacity and reducing reliance on existing F/A-18 fighters for refueling roles.
- Financial Outlook: Despite facing rising costs and component obsolescence during development, Boeing is poised to generate over $16 billion in total revenue from the MQ-25A program in the coming years, indicating a potential recovery in its defense business.
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Analyst Views on BA
Wall Street analysts forecast BA stock price to rise
16 Analyst Rating
14 Buy
1 Hold
1 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 231.030
Low
150.00
Averages
269.14
High
298.00
Current: 231.030
Low
150.00
Averages
269.14
High
298.00
About BA
The Boeing Company is an aerospace company. Its segments include Commercial Airplanes (BCA), Defense, Space & Security (BDS), and Global Services (BGS). Its BCA segment develops, produces and markets commercial jet aircraft principally for the commercial airline industry worldwide. Its family of commercial jet aircraft in production includes the 737 narrow-body model and the 767, 777 and 787 wide-body models. Its BDS segment is engaged in the research, development, production and modification of manned and unmanned military aircraft and weapons systems for strike, surveillance and mobility. Its BGS segment provides services to its commercial and defense customers worldwide. It sustains aerospace platforms and systems with a range of products and services, including supply chain and logistics management, engineering, maintenance and modifications, upgrades and conversions, spare parts, pilot and maintenance training systems and services, technical and maintenance documents, and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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