The MQ-25A is designed to operate from U.S. aircraft carriers and refuel aircraft while they are in the air. The Navy plans to buy 76 aircraft in total, including nine test aircraft and 67 production aircraft. These fighter jets are currently sometimes used as “buddy tankers” to refuel other aircraft from the carrier air wing. The Navy bought three MQ-25 aircraft in fiscal 2026. The Stingray is expected to carry about 15,000 pounds of fuel for transfer to other Navy aircraft.