Boeing awarded $20 bn contract to develop US Navy sixth‑generation F/A‑XX fighter

The U.S. Navy has selected Boeing to design and build the F/A‑XX, its future sixth‑generation manned fighter. The initial contract, valued at over $20 billion, covers development, test aircraft and system integration.

Boeing was chosen by the U.S. Navy to develop the sixth‑generation F/A‑XX fighter jet.¹²³ The initial contract is worth around $20 billion and includes development of the aircraft and production of the first test units.¹²³ The program will involve multiple test aircraft for ground testing, flight testing, system integration and armament testing.¹ The F/A‑XX is intended to replace the Navy’s F/A‑18E/F Super Hornet as the primary manned fighter of carrier air groups.¹³ The new fighter will operate alongside the F‑35C and unmanned platforms such as the Collaborative Combat Aircraft.¹ Technical details of the F/A‑XX remain largely classified.¹ Replacing the Super Hornet with the F/A‑XX will affect carrier air‑wing composition and operational planning for the Navy.¹³