The Pentagon has awarded Boeing a $20 billion contract to build the U.S. Navy’s next-generation F/A-XX fighter, officials announced on Tuesday. The sixth-generation aircraft will replace the Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet fleet beginning in the 2030s under the Next Generation Air Dominance program.
The carrier-based fighter is being developed to extend the reach and survivability of U.S. naval aviation. It is also expected to operate alongside unmanned systems as the Navy develops a new generation of carrier aircraft.
The contract gives Boeing its second major U.S. sixth-generation fighter program after the company was selected in 2025 to develop the Air Force’s F-47.
Boeing wins Navy fighter competition
Boeing was competing with Northrop Grumman for the F/A-XX contract. The Navy said the new aircraft will incorporate open mission systems architecture, advanced mission systems and greater operational reach and capacity.
The approach is intended to give the fighter greater flexibility as mission requirements and supporting technologies evolve.
“It’s an honor to be selected to produce the Navy’s first sixth-generation platform. Backed by decades of work, bolstered by game-changing innovations and solidified by the investments we’ve made in new facilities uniquely suited to build multiple products with next-generation capabilities, our dedicated and talented team is ready to execute this critical program,” said Steve Parker, president and chief executive officer, Boeing Defense, Space & Security.
Northrop Grumman acknowledged Boeing’s selection after competing for the program.
“For F/A-XX, Northrop Grumman offered a highly survivable, digitally advanced sixth-generation fighter to the U.S. Navy,” Northrop said Tuesday. “We look forward to receiving additional information about their selection.”
Super Hornet replacement takes shape
The F/A-XX is intended to succeed the Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornets during the 2030s. Its development is tied to the future of carrier aviation, where crewed fighters are expected to work with unmanned aircraft.
At a May 2026 hearing, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle told a U.S. Senate panel that the next-generation system needed to “extend the reach, survivability and lethality” and be expected to work with unmanned systems.
“Failure to field next-generation carrier aviation capability on schedule will introduce risk to air superiority, strike reach and the long-term viability of carrier-based operations in contested environments,” Caudle said.
The Navy has provided limited information about the aircraft because its technical and program details remain classified.
Boeing prepares production facilities
Boeing said construction is continuing at its secure manufacturing facility in St. Louis, Missouri. The company describes the site as the largest of its kind in the United States and plans to use it as part of an all-digital aerospace design and manufacturing system.
“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.
The company says its investment is intended to support production of future combat aircraft, including the F/A-XX.
Classified fighter enters next phase
The Navy’s contract begins a major phase in the development of a fighter whose design remains largely undisclosed. Boeing said the technical and programmatic details of F/A-XX remain classified under U.S. national security and export laws.
“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,” Parker noted.
Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey described the program as a long-term investment in U.S. air combat capabilities.
“The F/A-XX platform represents a crucial, non-negotiable investment in America’s national security and long-term air combat capabilities,” he said. “We are joining forces with Boeing to field these capabilities.”