Pentagon Near Navy's Next-Gen Fighter Decision

The U.S. Department of Defense is nearing a decision on which company will develop the Navy's next-generation stealth fighter, with an announcement expected soon. Both Boeing and Northrop Grumman are competing for this significant contract, which could be valued in the tens of billions of dollars over its lifecycle. The program, designated F/A-XX, has encountered years of delays and funding disagreements. Despite these challenges, Congress has allocated substantial funds, including $750 million in 2025 and $1.4 billion in 2026, to move the project forward.

This new carrier-borne fighter is intended to replace the aging F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet, which has been in service since the 1990s. The F/A-XX is slated to enter service in the 2030s and will feature advanced stealth capabilities, extended range, and integration with uncrewed combat aircraft and other naval systems. The urgency for this modern fighter is heightened by China's rapid development of advanced combat aircraft, emphasizing the need for the Navy to maintain its power projection capabilities.