Boeing Wins F/A-XX Contract, Secures Both Next-Gen Fighter Programs

The US Navy has awarded Boeing a contract worth over $20 billion to develop its sixth-generation carrier-based strike fighter, the F/A-XX. This win gives Boeing both of the US military's next-generation crewed fighter programs, following its selection for the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter earlier this year.

The F/A-XX is designed to augment and eventually replace the US Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers beginning in the 2030s. It will operate alongside the F-35C and team with uncrewed aircraft, including the carrier-based collaborative combat aircraft the US Navy is now seeking.

The contract follows a months-long competition between Boeing and Northrop Grumman, which can challenge the outcome by offering more details on its selection. The Pentagon approved moving ahead with a choice between the two companies in October 2025, but no winner was named until now.