SAIC Wins $75.2M NAVAIR Contract for MQ-25 and Naval Aviation Systems

This article is based on an official press release from Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC).

SAIC Secures $75.2 Million NAVAIR Contract to Advance MQ-25 Refueling and Aviation Systems

Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) has been awarded a $75.2 million task order to provide critical engineering, sustainment, and integration services to the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). According to an official press release issued by the company on April 20, 2026, the award was granted under the General Services Administration (GSA) Personnel and Readiness Infrastructure Support Management (PRISM) contract vehicle.

The new contract expands upon a two-decade relationship between SAIC and the U.S. Navy. The core scope of the agreement focuses on modernizing Aircraft Armament Equipment (AAE) and Support Equipment (SE), while also driving the development of the Aerial Refueling System (ARS) for the Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aircraft.

By leveraging predictive analytics and digital engineering tools, SAIC aims to improve equipment reliability, reduce operational downtime, and extend the lifespan of critical naval aviation systems deployed in global contingency operations.

Modernizing Naval Aviation Infrastructure

Enhancing Equipment Reliability and Sustainment

According to the company’s announcement, SAIC will provide engineering and sustainment services directly supporting key NAVAIR program offices. Specifically, the task order funds work for PMA-201, which is responsible for common Aircraft Armament Equipment, and PMA-260, which oversees the Support Equipment used to manage and troubleshoot aviation systems in real time.

The integration of digital engineering and predictive analytics is intended to ensure that these critical systems remain mission-ready. The contract covers support for several high-profile manned platforms currently in the fleet, including the F/A-18 Hornet, the P-8A Poseidon, and the SH-60 Seahawk.

Advancing the MQ-25 Stingray

The Future of Unmanned Aerial Refueling

A highly notable portion of this $75.2 million task order involves the MQ-25 Stingray, managed under NAVAIR’s PMA-268 program office. Developed by Boeing, the MQ-25 is the world’s first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft. Its primary mission is to provide aerial refueling capabilities, a role currently filled by F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. By shifting this responsibility to an unmanned platform, the Navy can free up its fighter jets for combat missions and significantly extend the operational range of its carrier air wings.

SAIC’s role will focus heavily on the MQ-25’s Aerial Refueling System (ARS). This system includes the external pod, hose, and drogue mechanism required to transfer fuel to receiver aircraft mid-flight. Successful software management and integration of the ARS are vital for the MQ-25 to fulfill its primary fleet mission.

Barbara Supplee, SAIC Executive Vice President of the Army Navy Business Group, emphasized the strategic importance of the award in the company’s press release.

“This task order enables us to deliver best-in-class technologies that supports naval aviation at its core, AAE and SE sustainment, while driving revolutionary advancements for the MQ-25’s refueling capabilities,” Supplee stated.

AirPro News analysis

We note that this contract win is a significant indicator of SAIC’s competitive positioning within the defense sector, particularly regarding the highly sought-after GSA PRISM contract vehicle. Industry data highlights that the PRISM vehicle carries an estimated ceiling of $1.8 billion over a five-year period, serving as a strategic engine for Department of Defense operational capacity.

For SAIC, a Reston, Virginia-based contractor with approximately 23,000 employees and reported annual revenues of around $7.3 billion, securing a role in high-profile modernization programs like the MQ-25 Stingray cements its footprint in the rapidly growing sector of autonomous military technology. As the Navy continues to pivot toward unmanned systems and digital engineering, contractors that can successfully bridge legacy sustainment (like AAE and SE) with next-generation integration (like the MQ-25 ARS) are likely to see sustained revenue growth and expanded operational footprints.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GSA PRISM contract?
The Personnel and Readiness Infrastructure Support Management (PRISM) contract is a Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) managed by the General Services Administration. It is designed to support the Department of Defense’s operational readiness through engineering, logistics, and system support services.

What is the MQ-25 Stingray?
The MQ-25 Stingray is the world’s first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft. It is designed primarily to provide aerial refueling to other carrier-based aircraft, extending the strike range of the carrier air wing.

Which NAVAIR program offices are supported by this SAIC contract?
The task order supports PMA-201 (Precision Strike Weapons and AAE), PMA-260 (Common Aviation Support Equipment), and PMA-268 (Unmanned Carrier Aviation / MQ-25).

Sources

• SAIC Press Release