Boeing Lands $20 Billion Contract for Navy's Sixth-Generation Fighter
The US Navy has awarded Boeing a contract worth over $20 billion to develop its sixth-generation carrier-based strike fighter, known as the F/A-XX. This contract marks a significant milestone for Boeing, which had been competing against Northrop Grumman since Lockheed Martin was eliminated from the competition in March 2025.
The F/A-XX is expected to replace the US Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers beginning in the 2030s. The jet will operate alongside the F-35C and is designed to team with uncrewed aircraft, including the carrier-based collaborative combat aircraft that the US Navy is now seeking.
This win gives Boeing both of the US military's next-generation crewed fighter programs, following its selection by the US Air Force for the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter in March 2025. Boeing's president and CEO of Defense, Space & Security, Steve Parker, said that delivering two advanced fighters in parallel was always their plan.
Northrop Grumman had offered a 'survivable, digitally advanced design' for the F/A-XX, but ultimately lost out to Boeing. The company has expressed disappointment with the outcome and is waiting for more details on the selection.