DefensePentagon to Announce F/A-XX Stealth Fighter Manufacturer Soon - report
The US Department of Defense is close to announcing the manufacturer for the F/A-XX stealth fighter, a new generation carrier-based aircraft that will eventually take over from the current F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet. Boeing and Northrop Grumman are the two contenders for the contract, which is expected to be awarded imminently, according to Reuters.
The F/A-XX program aims to address operational limitations of the Super Hornet, which has been in service with the US Navy for over 30 years. Designed with advanced stealth technology, the F/A-XX is projected to offer not only a reduced radar cross-section but also a substantially greater operational range — over 125% that of existing Navy tactical fighters.
Another notable aspect of the F/A-XX is its expected compatibility with unmanned combat aerial vehicles and carrier-based air defense systems. This integration reflects a broader shift towards networked, multi-platform operations within naval aviation.
The forecast for an outcome of the program is the second to be made this year. In March, reports from sources familiar with the matter indicated that the announcement was imminent.
Meanwhile, the Air Force is already moving forward with the NGAD program that will give rise to the F-47, a 6th-generation fighter to be manufactured by Boeing.
The program’s progress has been affected by budgetary constraints, including a delay of approximately $1 billion due to spending caps imposed by the Fiscal Responsibility Act. Disputes between the Pentagon and Congress over funding allocation have also contributed to schedule adjustments, though key details regarding program value, total units, and specific timelines remain classified.
The F/A-XX is seen as a critical asset to counter growing military capabilities in the Pacific, particularly with regard to the perceived threat from China in regions such as the South China Sea. US Air Force General Dan Caine has publicly underscored the operational necessity for the new fighter in this security context.
The selection of either Boeing or Northrop Grumman will shape the future of US Navy carrier aviation. The F/A-XX is expected to deliver improvements in stealth, speed, and digital warfare, surpassing the performance envelope of the Super Hornet.
The official announcement may be made later this week, following a directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to accelerate the project’s progress.
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