Boeing Takes Lead in US Sixth Generation Fighter Programs

The US military has established a clear division of labor among its three largest aircraft manufacturers for fifth and sixth generation combat aviation programs. Boeing has emerged as the principal contractor for the country's sixth generation fighter programs, having been awarded contracts for both the F/A-XX and the Air Force's F-47 under the Next Generation Air Dominance Program in 2025.

Northrop Grumman will focus on developing the B-21 next-generation bomber, while Lockheed Martin has retained its dominant position in fifth generation fighter production. The firm serves as prime contractor and lead integrator across the F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C variants, providing a common stealth fighter family to the Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy.

Lockheed Martin's chief executive Jim Taiclet has stated that there is significant interest in modernizing the F-35 through integration of technologies developed for the F-47 program. He claimed that such upgrades would provide 80 percent of six-gen capability at half the price.