Navy Stalls on F/A-XX Winner Announcement Amid Delayed Decision

The U.S. Navy's sixth-generation carrier fighter program, F/A-XX, has been in limbo for months. In April, top officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao, promised that the winner would be announced in August.

Now with only a week left in the month, there's still no announcement. The delay has raised questions about what's holding up the decision. The Navy says it's not their call to make, implying that the hold-up is above them at the Office of the Secretary of Defense or even the White House.

The F/A-XX program is crucial for the Navy, as it will replace the aging Super Hornet and Growler aircraft in the 2030s. The winner will also operate alongside the F-35C. Boeing and Northrop Grumman are competing for the contract, with Lockheed Martin eliminated from the competition last year.

Northrop Grumman has been publicly defending its ability to build the aircraft if selected, which suggests they may not be confident in the outcome.