Department of War and U.S. Navy award F/A-XX program contract

The Department of War said the U.S. Navy has awarded Boeing a contract to develop the Sixth-Generation F/A-XX Strike Fighter under the Next Generation Air Dominance program, a deal valued at more than $20 billion for the full-scale development phase. The award includes multiple test aircraft to support ground evaluations, airworthiness certification, systems testing, and weapons integration.

“The F/A-XX is a critical pillar in our commitment to maintaining peace through strength. F/A-XX will dominate contested airspace, extend operational reach, and deliver a decisive combat advantage for the warfighter,” said Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment. “The F/A-XX platform represents a crucial, non-negotiable investment in America’s national security and long-term air combat capabilities. We are joining forces with Boeing to field these capabilities rapidly, ensuring our warfighters possess the lethal and highly networked systems required to deter aggression, project undisputed power, and secure absolute air superiority.”

Designed for advanced carrier-based power projection, the aircraft is intended to extend the reach of U.S. Navy carriers and operate in concert with both manned and unmanned platforms, including Collaborative Combat Aircraft, with the goal of boosting the effectiveness of the systems it teams with.

“This achievement marks a new era for the U.S. Navy,” said acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao. “The Sixth-Generation fighter is a generational leap in air superiority and will provide the world’s best aviators with unparalleled capabilities to fight, win, and come home safe. We are excited to partner with Boeing, and for our warfighters to continue to dominate the skies and defeat our nation’s enemies.”

Boeing is slated to begin fielding the platform in the 2030s to augment and ultimately replace the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers, while operating alongside the F-35C.