Boeing Lands $20 Billion F/A-XX Contract Amid Concerns Over Single Prime Supplier

The US Navy has awarded Boeing a $20 billion contract to develop its future F/A-XX combat aircraft, replacing the F/A-18 Hornet fighters and EA-18 Growler electronic attack aircraft from the mid-2030s. This decision raises eyebrows due to concerns about putting all fighter-development eggs in one basket, as Lockheed Martin was beaten by Boeing in a separate contract for the Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) aircraft just six months prior.

The Navy has historically preferred working with primes that have experience with their own programs, and Boeing's military division has not had major issues with Navy projects. However, Northrop Grumman's Sunnyvale plant, which produces steam turbines for nuclear submarines, was responsible for a 12 to 16 month delay in the completion of USS Columbia.

Boeing's F-47 win will have been a positive factor in their bid for the F/A-XX contract, as they can offer common technology and shared resources. The two aircraft are separate programs, but the Aerospace Innovation Initiative (AII) aims to support both services with common technology. Boeing is developing the F-47 on a brand-new campus at St Louis, which will be used for the F/A-XX program.

The company's size and experience were also likely factors in their selection, as they are twice Northrop Grumman's size and the largest US exporter. However, critics worry that this decision may lead to a repeat of the F-35's development issues, with a powerful project office and competitive bidding being essential for success.