Under the FY 2026 acquisition plan, the MQ-25 enters a critical test phase. All four Engineering Development Models and one System Demonstration Test Article are scheduled for delivery to the test enterprise, with the first flight planned for the first quarter of FY 2026. Procurement funding in FY 2026 supports three Low-Rate Initial Production aircraft and long-lead items for a second LRIP lot, alongside continued investment in mission control infrastructure.

Technically, the MQ-25 measures about 15.5 meters in length, with a 22.9-meter wingspan extended and 9.5 meters folded. Powered by a Rolls-Royce AE 3007N turbofan, the aircraft is designed to deliver roughly 7,250 kilograms of fuel at a radius of around 930 kilometers, enabling refueling support to multiple aircraft per sortie. While Boeing has displayed growth configurations featuring sensors or strike payloads, Navy officials emphasize that near-term efforts remain focused on safe carrier integration.