The Pentagon is preparing to decide who will build the F/A-XX fighter jet — Boeing or Northrop Grumman. The new aircraft is expected to strengthen the US position in the confrontation with China.
Pentagon prepares to choose a contractor for the F/A-XX stealth fighter
After months of delays, the Pentagon may announce this week who — Boeing or Northrop Grumman — will develop the US Navy’s new F/A-XX stealth fighter. It is a multi-billion dollar project that is expected to become a key element of US defense in the 2030s.
The new aircraft will replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which has been in service since the 1990s. The decision was made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and an announcement could be made in the coming days.
Next Generation Carrier-Based Aircraft
The F/A-XX is expected to feature:
- improved stealth technology,
- extended range and endurance,
- integration with unmanned combat vehicles and carrier air defense systems.
Analyst Roman Schweitzer of TD Cowen noted that this step is critical for the United States to keep up with China, which is actively testing sixth-generation aircraft.
Budget disputes and production risks
The program’s development has been delayed by budget disputes between the Pentagon and Congress. The Department of Defense requested $74 million for minimum funding, but some officials wanted to postpone the development by three years due to a shortage of engineers and supply chain problems.
Congress has insisted on continuing the project, allocating $750 million in the summer budget package, with another $1.4 billion planned for fiscal year 2026.
However, both competitors have their own challenges:
- Boeing is already burdened with the production of the F-47 fighter for the US Air Force,
- Northrop Grumman is facing cost overruns on its Sentinel ICBM modernization program.
The Future of US Naval Aviation
In parallel, the US Navy plans to purchase more than 270 F-35C aircraft from Lockheed Martin, but it is the F/A-XX that will define the next era of American aviation.
The first aircraft are expected in the 2030s, while the F/A-18 will remain in service until the 2040s.
Analysts believe the success of the program will show whether the US Navy can maintain its advantage over China in the Pacific and maintain a global military presence.
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