Boeing Successfully Tests MQ-25A Stingray Drone
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1 hour ago
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Should l Buy BA?
Source: PRnewswire
- Milestone Flight: Boeing and the U.S. Navy successfully completed the first test flight of the MQ-25A Stingray™, marking a significant step towards operational capability on aircraft carriers and heralding a new era in naval aviation.
- Autonomous Flight Capability: During the two-hour flight, the MQ-25A demonstrated its ability to autonomously taxi, take off, fly, land, and respond to commands, validating its flight controls and safe integration with the Ground Control Station.
- Extended Operational Range: The MQ-25A's autonomous aerial refueling capability will significantly extend the operational range of the carrier air wing, allowing F/A-18 Super Hornets to focus on their primary strike roles, thereby enhancing fleet lethality.
- Future Development Plans: This aircraft is the first of four Engineering Development Models to be delivered to the Navy under an $805 million contract, with additional test flights planned to further validate its capabilities before transitioning to carrier qualifications.
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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: 232.440
Low
150.00
Averages
269.14
High
298.00
Current: 232.440
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.
Boeing Successfully Tests MQ-25A Stingray Drone
- Milestone Flight: Boeing and the U.S. Navy successfully completed the first test flight of the MQ-25A Stingray™, marking a significant step towards operational capability on aircraft carriers and heralding a new era in naval aviation.
- Autonomous Flight Capability: During the two-hour flight, the MQ-25A demonstrated its ability to autonomously taxi, take off, fly, land, and respond to commands, validating its flight controls and safe integration with the Ground Control Station.
- Extended Operational Range: The MQ-25A's autonomous aerial refueling capability will significantly extend the operational range of the carrier air wing, allowing F/A-18 Super Hornets to focus on their primary strike roles, thereby enhancing fleet lethality.
- Future Development Plans: This aircraft is the first of four Engineering Development Models to be delivered to the Navy under an $805 million contract, with additional test flights planned to further validate its capabilities before transitioning to carrier qualifications.
See More
Boeing Successfully Tests MQ-25A Drone
- Successful First Flight: Boeing and the U.S. Navy completed the first test flight of the MQ-25A Stingray™ on April 25, 2026, marking a significant step toward carrier operations and heralding a new era in naval aviation.
- Autonomous Flight Capability: During the two-hour flight, the MQ-25A successfully demonstrated its ability to autonomously taxi, take off, fly, land, and respond to commands, validating its flight controls and navigation systems, thereby enhancing naval operational capabilities.
- Strategic Importance: The drone's autonomous aerial refueling capability will significantly extend the operational range of the carrier air wing, allowing F/A-18 Super Hornets to focus on their primary strike roles, thus enhancing the overall combat effectiveness of the Navy.
- Follow-Up Testing Plans: Boeing and the Navy will conduct additional test flights at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport to further validate the MQ-25A's flight controls and capabilities before transitioning to Naval Air Station Patuxent River for carrier qualifications.
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- Trading History Review: Salazar executed over $2 million in trades in 2024 and more than $3 million in 2023, primarily in buys, reflecting her active participation and investment strategy in the stock market.
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- Ongoing Market Monitoring: Benzinga will continue to monitor the trading activities of Congress members to identify any questionable trades, ensuring transparency and compliance in their financial dealings.
See More
Boeing Successfully Tests MQ-25A Stingray Drone
- Milestone Flight: Boeing and the U.S. Navy successfully completed the first test flight of the MQ-25A Stingray™, marking a significant step towards operational capability on aircraft carriers and heralding a new era in naval aviation.
- Autonomous Flight Capability: During the two-hour flight, the MQ-25A demonstrated its ability to autonomously taxi, take off, fly, land, and respond to commands, validating its flight controls and safe integration with the Ground Control Station.
- Extended Operational Range: The MQ-25A's autonomous aerial refueling capability will significantly extend the operational range of the carrier air wing, allowing F/A-18 Super Hornets to focus on their primary strike roles, thereby enhancing fleet lethality.
- Future Development Plans: This aircraft is the first of four Engineering Development Models to be delivered to the Navy under an $805 million contract, with additional test flights planned to further validate its capabilities before transitioning to carrier qualifications.
See More
Boeing Successfully Tests MQ-25A Drone
- Successful First Flight: Boeing and the U.S. Navy completed the first test flight of the MQ-25A Stingray™ on April 25, 2026, marking a significant step toward carrier operations and heralding a new era in naval aviation.
- Autonomous Flight Capability: During the two-hour flight, the MQ-25A successfully demonstrated its ability to autonomously taxi, take off, fly, land, and respond to commands, validating its flight controls and navigation systems, thereby enhancing naval operational capabilities.
- Strategic Importance: The drone's autonomous aerial refueling capability will significantly extend the operational range of the carrier air wing, allowing F/A-18 Super Hornets to focus on their primary strike roles, thus enhancing the overall combat effectiveness of the Navy.
- Follow-Up Testing Plans: Boeing and the Navy will conduct additional test flights at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport to further validate the MQ-25A's flight controls and capabilities before transitioning to Naval Air Station Patuxent River for carrier qualifications.
See More
Global Military Spending Hits Record High Amid Geopolitical Tensions
- Surge in Global Military Spending: According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, global military expenditure reached $2.89 trillion in 2025, marking a 2.9% increase, reflecting heightened national priorities on defense amid ongoing wars and geopolitical upheaval.
- Significant Growth in Europe: Military spending in Europe rose by 14% to $864 billion in 2025, with Germany exceeding NATO's 2% GDP guideline for the first time, reaching 2.3%, indicating a substantial shift in the region's security focus.
- Rising Military Expenditure in Asia: Military spending in Asia and Oceania increased by 8.1% to $681 billion in 2025, with Taiwan's expenditure rising 14% to $18.2 billion, highlighting the urgency of security concerns and reliance on U.S. support in the region.
- Defense Stocks Soar: The surge in military spending has led to significant stock price increases, with Hanwha Aerospace's shares rising 193% in 2025, while Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries saw gains of 72.7% and 42.6%, respectively, showcasing the robust growth potential in the defense sector.
See More
Middle East Tensions Propel US Stocks to Record Highs
- Strong Market Performance: The S&P 500 and Nasdaq rose by 0.6% and 1.5% respectively, reaching record highs amid fluctuating Middle East tensions, indicating investor optimism for upcoming peace talks despite ongoing uncertainties.
- Tech Stock Divergence: Hardware stocks like Intel and Nvidia surged by 33% and 3.2% respectively, while software stocks such as IBM and ServiceNow faced sell-offs due to disappointing guidance, reflecting market preference for AI infrastructure and concerns over the software sector.
- GE Vernova's Impressive Earnings: GE Vernova's stock jumped nearly 14% following a strong earnings report, with its price target raised from $1,000 to $1,300, highlighting robust demand for heavy-duty natural gas turbines and the company's pivotal role in the AI boom.
- Boeing's Better-Than-Expected Results: Boeing reported revenue exceeding expectations, leading to a 5.5% stock increase, demonstrating that rising jet fuel prices due to Middle East tensions did not significantly impact demand, showcasing the company's recovery under CEO Kelly Ortberg.
See More
S&P 500 Earnings Surge as Tech Giants Prepare to Report
- Strong Earnings Performance: Out of 91 companies reporting, 75 exceeded EPS expectations, indicating an overall improvement in profitability, particularly in capital markets and AI infrastructure, which signals economic recovery.
- GE Aerospace's Impressive Results: GE Aerospace achieved a 29% revenue growth with $11.6 billion in revenue and $1.86 EPS, while management maintained its 2026 guidance, reflecting confidence in future growth prospects.
- Tesla's Continued Growth: Tesla surpassed revenue and EPS expectations at $22.39 billion and $0.41, driven by surges in energy storage and FSD subscriptions, while raising its 2026 capex guidance to over $25 billion, indicating a strong commitment to expansion.
- Upcoming Earnings Outlook: Wall Street anticipates a peak earnings season next week with over 175 S&P 500 companies set to report, particularly the performance of the 'Magnificent Seven' tech giants, which will significantly impact market sentiment.
See More
Congresswoman Salazar Resumes Stock Trading in 2026
- Stock Purchase Overview: Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar disclosed multiple stock purchases in March 2026 totaling over $200,000, potentially valued at up to $850,000, indicating her renewed engagement in the market.
- Trading History Review: Salazar executed over $2 million in trades in 2024 and more than $3 million in 2023, primarily in buys, reflecting her active participation and investment strategy in the stock market.
- Potential Conflicts of Interest: As a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Financial Services Committee, Salazar's stock purchases may present conflicts of interest, particularly with companies like Boeing and GE Aerospace that could benefit from increased defense spending.
- Ongoing Market Monitoring: Benzinga will continue to monitor the trading activities of Congress members to identify any questionable trades, ensuring transparency and compliance in their financial dealings.
See More
