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. The initial contract is worth around $20 billion and includes development of the aircraft and production of the first test units. The program will involve multiple test aircraft for ground testing, flight testing, system integration and armament testing. 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. The new fighter will operate alongside the F‑35C and unmanned platforms such as the Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Technical details of the F/A‑XX remain largely classified. Replacing the Super Hornet with the F/A‑XX will affect carrier air‑wing composition and operational planning for the Navy.