Boeing Wins $20 Billion Contract for Next-Gen Carrier Fighter
The US Navy has awarded Boeing a contract worth over $20 billion to build its next-generation carrier fighter, the F/A-XX. The award was announced on September 29, 2026, and marks the end of a years-long competition that saw Boeing beat out Northrop Grumman for the contract.
The F/A-XX is designed to replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler from the 2030s, and will be powered by derivative turbofans rather than adaptive-cycle engines. The aircraft will have a range of around 25% more than current strike fighters, making it a key part of the Navy's efforts to counter China's anti-ship ballistic and cruise missiles.
Boeing has been building up its capabilities for this contract over the years, investing in digital engineering and building a new factory for advanced combat aircraft. The company's President and CEO, Steve Parker, said that delivering two advanced fighters in parallel was always their plan, and they invested accordingly.