Boeing Wins $20B Navy Contract for Sixth-Generation F/A-XX Fighter

Boeing has secured a contract worth more than $20 billion from the U.S. Navy to develop the F/A-XX, a sixth-generation strike fighter intended to expand the reach of Navy aircraft carriers and eventually replace some of the service's longtime combat aircraft. The Department of War announced the award, which covers full-scale development of the new platform.

The F/A-XX falls under the Next Generation Air Dominance program and is designed to operate alongside both manned and unmanned aircraft, including Collaborative Combat Aircraft. According to the Department of War, the carrier-based fighter will extend the Navy's operational reach and increase the capability of the unmanned aircraft it teams with. The contract includes multiple test aircraft for ground testing, airworthiness evaluations, and systems and weapons integration.

For Boeing, the deal represents a significant expansion of its defense portfolio. It follows the company's selection for the Air Force's F-47 in 2025, giving Boeing two sixth-generation fighter programs running in parallel. «Delivering two advanced fighters in parallel was always our plan, and we invested accordingly. We are ready and able to build multiple concurrent future combat aircraft franchise programs,» said Steve Parker, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security.

Parker called the Navy selection an honor and said the company's team is prepared to execute the program. «It's an honor to be selected to produce the Navy's first sixth-generation platform,» he said. Boeing said construction continues on a secure manufacturing facility in St. Louis as it prepares to build multiple aircraft with next-generation capabilities. «Investment in facilities is just one part of the story; we're also investing in technology and people so that we can deliver for our customers,» Parker added.

Navy and defense officials framed the contract as a critical investment in maintaining air superiority. Michael P. Duffey, under secretary of war for acquisition and sustainment, described the F/A-XX as a crucial, non-negotiable investment in America's national security and long-term air combat capabilities. «The F/A-XX is a critical pillar in our commitment to maintaining peace through strength. F/A-XX will dominate contested airspace, extend operational reach, and deliver a decisive combat advantage for the warfighter,» Duffey said. He added that the department is joining forces with Boeing to field these capabilities rapidly, ensuring warfighters possess the lethal and highly networked systems required to deter aggression, project undisputed power, and secure absolute air superiority.

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao hailed the contract as the beginning of a new era for the service. «The Sixth-Generation fighter is a generational leap in air superiority and will provide the world's best aviators with unparalleled capabilities to fight, win, and come home safe,» Cao said. «We are excited to partner with Boeing, and for our warfighters to continue to dominate the skies and defeat our nation's enemies.»

Technical and program details remain classified under U.S. national security and export laws, but Boeing said the aircraft will bring advances in mission systems, operational reach, and capacity. Beginning in the 2030s, the F/A-XX is expected to augment and eventually replace legacy F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers, according to the Department of War. It will also operate alongside the F-35C.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe celebrated the announcement, pointing to the state's role in building America's next generation of military aircraft. «St. Louis is Fighterland, USA!» Kehoe wrote on X. «Proud of this incredible win that further cements Missouri as a critical leader in the future of America's air dominance, innovation, and national defense.»

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Delaney Sawyer

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Delaney Sawyer covers public affairs, politics, business, culture and daily news for Core Memo. The role focuses on verification, context, and clear explanations for readers.

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