The MQ-25 Stingray unmanned carrier aviation air system (UCAAS), formerly the Carrier-Based Aerial-Refueling System (CBARS), is a planned unmanned combat aerial system (UCAV) that resulted from the Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike program. On 1 February 2016, after many delays over whether the UCLASS would specialize in strike or Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) roles, it was reported that a significant portion of the UCLASS effort would be directed to produce a Super Hornet-sized carrier-based aerial tanker as the Carrier-Based Aerial-Refueling System (CBARS), with "a little ISR" and some capabilities to relay communications, and strike capabilities put off to a future version of the aircraft. In July 2016, it was officially named "MQ-25A Stingray".
The Pentagon chose this in order to address the Navy's expected fighter shortfall by directing funds to buy additional Super Hornets and accelerate purchases and development of the F-35C, quickly getting F-35C's into production and promoting the concept that they can strike at things. It will likely be a wing-body-tail configuration that will limit its ability to strike in contested airspace, but favors cost and Boeing and General Atomics submissions. Having the CBARS as the first carrier-based UAV provides a less-complex bridge to the future F/A-XX, should it be an autonomous strike platform. It also addresses the carriers' need for an organic refueling aircraft, proposed as a mission for the UCLASS since 2014, freeing up the 20-30 percent of Super Hornets performing the mission in a more capable and cost effective manner than modifying the F-35, V-22 Osprey, and E-2D Hawkeye, or bringing the retired S-3 Viking back into service.
Although initially designated the RAQ-25, the designation was changed to MQ-25 Stingray. Stealth requirements will be "descoped" and it can still be capable of firing missiles or dropping bombs from drop tank pylons, but surveillance and destroying targets will not be its main mission. Reducing the low-observable requirement is expected to make things easier for existing UCLASS competitors, and open the competition to new entrants. Four development contracts were issued in 2016, with a formal RFP expected in 2017, with operational status in the early to mid 2020s.
Rear Adm. Michael Manazir has suggested that three of these UCAVs could fly with a F-35 for refueling and sensor operation.