Boeing Wins $20 Billion Contract for US Navy Strike Fighter Program
The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) has chosen Boeing to develop the next generation of strike fighters for the US Navy under a contract worth $20 billion. The new aircraft, known as F/A-XX fighter aircraft or 'strike fighters', will replace the existing Super Hornet fleet by early next decade.
Boeing was competing against Northrop Grumman for the contract, which is part of the Next Generation Air Dominance program. Steve Parker, president of Boeing's defense, space and security division, said that developing two advanced fighters in parallel has always been part of their plan.
The Pentagon views this as a critical investment in US national security and future air combat capabilities. Construction on the project is ongoing at Boeing's secure manufacturing facility in St. Louis, which it describes as the largest of its kind in the United States.