The US Department of Defense has announced that Boeing has been selected to manufacture the US Navy’s next-generation fighter jet, a contract valued at over $20 billion, as reported by France Presse.
The fighter jet, currently designated as F/A-XX, is intended to replace the F/A-18E Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler models during the 2030s, both of which are also Boeing products. It will operate alongside the F-35C.
“F/A-XX represents a cornerstone of our commitment to maintaining peace through strength,” stated Michael P. Duffey, the Deputy Secretary of Defense responsible for acquisition and sustainment, in the release.
A Stealth Aircraft Designed to Dominate Airspace
He emphasized that this stealth aircraft will “dominate contested airspaces, extend operational ranges, and provide combat forces with a decisive advantage.” He also noted that it is “an essential investment for the national security of the United States.”
This future fighter jet will be capable of landing on American aircraft carriers and will operate alongside crewed aircraft and military drones, according to the Pentagon’s announcement.
Boeing confirmed in a separate statement that it will design and manufacture this fighter jet under the contract.
“It is an honor to be selected to produce the Navy’s first sixth-generation platform,” said Steve Parker, president of Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security division.
The aircraft manufacturer stated that this fighter jet “will revolutionize advances in open environment mission system architecture, advanced mission systems, and operational capabilities.”
Boeing Previously Secured the F-47 Contract
The company was already selected in March 2025 for the US Air Force’s next-generation fighter jet, the F-47.
Named in honor of Donald Trump, who is currently the 47th president of the United States, this contract was announced from the Oval Office of the White House.
“The generals chose this name, and F-47 is a beautiful number,” Trump emphasized at that time.
He added that “nothing in the world compares” to this new generation of aircraft, which is expected to replace the F-22, in service for about two decades.
Northrop Grumman’s Disappointment
Boeing competed against American group Lockheed Martin for the Air Force contract and Northrop Grumman for the Navy contract.
Northrop Grumman stated on Tuesday, in a brief statement to AFP, that it had “proposed a sixth-generation fighter jet with high protection capabilities and an advanced digital platform.”
“We look forward to receiving more information regarding their selection,” the company added.
In after-hours trading following the New York Stock Exchange closure, Boeing’s shares increased by 2.21%, while Northrop Grumman’s shares fell by 3.69%.
“Simultaneously developing two advanced fighter jets has always been our goal, and we have invested accordingly. We are ready and able to build multiple fighter jets simultaneously across several programs,” Parker stated.
Boeing’s Need for Good News
Boeing is currently constructing a secure production facility, deemed the largest in the United States, in St. Louis, Missouri.
This contract represents good news for the aircraft manufacturer, which has faced challenging years due to quality and compliance issues with its commercial aircraft.
The company has also recorded significant losses in its defense operations, particularly from fixed-price contracts.
Since taking over leadership in the summer of 2024, CEO Kelly Ortberg has been striving to stabilize the situation but continues to encounter obstacles.
A recent software issue in the navigation system of the 737 MAX, its best-selling aircraft, was revealed this weekend, prompting the US aviation regulator to suspend the certification process for the much-anticipated 737 MAX 10, which was expected “very soon” after years of delays.
