Admiral Permian Resources (APR) continues to expand its footprint in the Delaware Basin after permitting nine new horizontal wells at its Red Ryder Unit in Loving County, Texas. The permits, issued on June 3, 2026, target the prolific Bone Spring formation and represent a significant expansion of development activity within Section 13, Block C26.
APR is a privately held Permian Basin operator focused on developing oil-rich assets across West Texas and New Mexico. The Bone Spring formation remains one of the most active unconventional oil plays in North America, known for its stacked reservoir intervals, strong production performance, and ability to support multi-bench development programs.
Building on Earlier Success
The newly permitted wells are not the first activity within the Red Ryder Unit. In 2025, APR drilled three horizontal wells in Section 13 using Helmerich & Payne Rig 642. Those wells were spud between August and September and targeted depths ranging from approximately 12,900 to 13,500 feet.
The initial drilling program appears to have provided sufficient confidence for APR to move forward with a larger development plan. Further evidence of the company’s long-term commitment came in May 2026 when APR received approval for the Red Ryder CTB (Central Tank Battery) facility permit. The facility will serve as centralized production infrastructure for the area and is a strong indicator that the operator expects sustained production growth and future development activity.
The combination of successful initial drilling results and investment in production infrastructure suggests Red Ryder has transitioned from an early appraisal phase into a broader manufacturing-style development project.
Red Ryder Unit
Two New Development Pads Planned
The latest permits are concentrated on two new drilling pads within Section 13.
Pad 027
Five horizontal wells have been permitted from Pad 027:
- Red Ryder Unit 101BS – 10,500 ft
- Red Ryder Unit 201BS – 11,100 ft
- Red Ryder Unit 202SH – 11,000 ft
- Red Ryder Unit 203BS – 11,000 ft
- Red Ryder Unit 301BC – 11,800 ft
Pad 028
Four additional horizontal wells have been permitted from Pad 028:
- Red Ryder Unit 102BS – 10,500 ft
- Red Ryder Unit 204SH – 11,000 ft
- Red Ryder Unit 205BS – 11,100 ft
- Red Ryder Unit 302BC – 11,800 ft
The permits target multiple depth intervals, indicating APR is pursuing a stacked development strategy across several Bone Spring benches. By drilling multiple wells from centralized pads and targeting different reservoir intervals, operators can maximize resource recovery while reducing surface disturbance and infrastructure costs.
A Growing Delaware Basin Development
With three wells already drilled, a new central tank battery permitted, and nine additional wells approved across two new pads, the Red Ryder Unit is emerging as a notable development project in the Delaware Basin.
The project demonstrates many of the characteristics commonly associated with large-scale unconventional development programs, including pad drilling, centralized production facilities, and multi-zone reservoir targeting. As drilling and construction activity progresses, the project is expected to generate demand for a broad range of oilfield services, including drilling support, completions, production equipment, water management, and facility construction services.
For service companies operating in West Texas, the Red Ryder Unit will be a project worth monitoring throughout 2026 and beyond.
Author: phinds