Pentagon selects contractor for US Navy’s F/A-XX stealth fighter, announcement imminent
The Pentagon has chosen a contractor for the US Navy’s next-generation stealth fighter, designated F/A-XX, and could announce the winner within weeks, according to two sources. Boeing and Northrop Grumman are competing for the contract, potentially worth tens of billions of dollars. Congress allocated $750 million in 2025 and $1.4 billion in fiscal 2026 to counter delays. The F/A-XX will replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet, with first production jets expected in the 2030s.
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US Navy to unveil next-generation fighter decision soon, sources say
The Pentagon has decided which company will build the US Navy's next-generation stealth fighter, designated F/A-XX, and could announce the winner within weeks, according to two sources briefed on the matter. Boeing and Northrop Grumman are competing for the contract, which could be worth tens of billions of dollars. The program has faced years of delays and funding disputes, with some Pentagon officials seeking a three-year delay due to engineering and supply chain concerns. Congress pushed back, allocating $750 million in 2025 and an additional $1.4 billion in fiscal 2026. The urgency is heightened by China rapidly fielding advanced combat aircraft, including ones described as sixth-generation. A US official warned that further delays could leave the Navy without a modern carrier-capable fighter in the 2030s, undermining power projection. The F/A-XX will be the centerpiece of the Navy's Next Generation Air Dominance family of systems, replacing the aging F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. It is expected to feature advanced stealth, improved range, and integration with uncrewed aircraft. First production jets are anticipated in the 2030s.
Read sourceUS Navy to unveil next-generation stealth fighter contract decision soon, sources say
The Pentagon is expected to announce within weeks which company—Boeing or Northrop Grumman—will build the US Navy's next-generation stealth fighter, designated F/A-XX. The program, intended to replace the aging F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet, has faced years of delays and funding disputes. Some Pentagon officials sought a three-year delay due to engineering and supply chain concerns, but Congress allocated $750 million in 2025 and an additional $1.4 billion in fiscal 2026 to keep it on track. The carrier-borne jet will be the centerpiece of the Navy's Next Generation Air Dominance family of systems, featuring advanced stealth, improved range, and integration with uncrewed combat aircraft. With China rapidly fielding advanced combat aircraft, including ones described as sixth-generation, further delays could undermine the Navy's ability to project power in contested environments in the 2030s and beyond. First production jets are expected in the 2030s, with Super Hornets remaining in service into the 2040s.
Read sourceUS Navy to unveil next-generation fighter decision soon, sources say
The Pentagon has selected a contractor for the US Navy's next-generation stealth fighter, designated F/A-XX, and could announce the winner within weeks, according to two sources briefed on the matter. Boeing and Northrop Grumman are competing for the contract, which could be worth tens of billions of dollars over its lifetime. The program has faced years of delays and funding disputes, with some Pentagon officials seeking a three-year postponement due to engineering and supply chain concerns. Congress pushed back by allocating $750 million in a 2025 tax-cut bill and an additional $1.4 billion in fiscal 2026. The urgency is heightened by China's rapid fielding of advanced combat aircraft, including what Beijing calls sixth-generation jets, which could leave the Navy without a modern carrier-capable fighter in the 2030s. The F/A-XX will be the centerpiece of the Navy's Next Generation Air Dominance family of systems, replacing the aging F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet. It is expected to feature advanced stealth, improved range, and integration with uncrewed combat aircraft. First production jets are slated for the 2030s, with Super Hornets remaining in service into the 2040s.
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US Navy to unveil decision on next-generation F/A-XX fighter jet soon
The Pentagon has selected a contractor for the US Navy's next-generation stealth fighter, designated F/A-XX, and could announce the winner within weeks, according to two sources briefed on the matter. Boeing and Northrop Grumman are the final competitors for the contract, which could be worth tens of billions of dollars over its lifetime. The program has faced years of delays and funding disputes, with some Pentagon officials seeking a three-year postponement due to engineering and supply chain concerns. Congress pushed back, allocating $750 million in 2025 and an additional $1.4 billion in fiscal 2026. The urgency is heightened by China's rapid fielding of advanced combat aircraft, including what Beijing calls sixth-generation jets. The carrier-borne fighter will replace the aging F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet and serve as the centerpiece of the Navy's Next Generation Air Dominance family of systems. It is expected to feature advanced stealth, improved range, and integration with uncrewed combat aircraft. First production jets are anticipated in the 2030s, with F/A-18s remaining in service into the 2040s.
US Navy to unveil next-generation fighter decision soon, sources say
The Pentagon has selected a contractor for the US Navy's next-generation stealth fighter, designated F/A-XX, and could announce the winner within weeks, according to two sources briefed on the matter. Boeing and Northrop Grumman are competing for the contract, which could be worth tens of billions of dollars over its lifetime. The program has faced years of delays and funding disputes, with some Pentagon officials seeking a three-year postponement due to engineering and supply chain concerns. Congress pushed back by allocating $750 million in 2025 and an additional $1.4 billion in fiscal 2026. The urgency is heightened by China rapidly fielding advanced combat aircraft, including ones described as sixth-generation, which could leave the Navy without a modern carrier-capable fighter in the 2030s. The F/A-XX will be the centerpiece of the Navy's Next Generation Air Dominance family of systems, replacing the aging F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet. It is expected to feature advanced stealth, improved range, and integration with uncrewed combat aircraft. First production jets are slated for the 2030s, with Super Hornets remaining in service into the 2040s.
Read sourceUS Navy to unveil next-generation fighter decision soon, sources say
The Pentagon has selected a contractor for the US Navy's next-generation stealth fighter, designated F/A-XX, and could announce the winner within weeks, according to two sources briefed on the matter. Boeing and Northrop Grumman are competing for the contract, which could be worth tens of billions of dollars over its lifetime. The program has faced years of delays and funding disputes, with some Pentagon officials seeking a three-year postponement due to engineering and supply chain concerns. Congress pushed back by allocating $750 million in 2025 and an additional $1.4 billion in fiscal 2026. The urgency is heightened by China's rapid fielding of advanced combat aircraft, including what Beijing calls sixth-generation jets, which could leave the Navy without a modern carrier-capable fighter in the 2030s. The F/A-XX will be the centerpiece of the Navy's Next Generation Air Dominance family of systems, replacing the aging F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet. It is expected to feature advanced stealth, improved range, and integration with uncrewed combat aircraft. First production jets are slated for the 2030s, with F/A-18s remaining in service into the 2040s.
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