Washington: Boeing has been selected to develop the US Navy’s next-generation F/A-XX stealth fighter, the Pentagon said Tuesday.
6th-gen edge.
Thank you, @USNavy, for continuing our partnership to design, build and deliver your F/A-XX aircraft. We’re honored to produce the 6th-generation fighter that will revolutionize advancements in naval aviation to maintain U.S. carrier air superiority.
Release:… pic.twitter.com/LaGUxgefSm
— Boeing Defense (@BoeingDefense) September 29, 2026
The development contract is valued at about $20 billion for test aircraft, with the programme potentially reaching hundreds of billions of dollars over its lifetime.
Boeing defeated Northrop Grumman in the competition, securing its second major sixth-generation fighter programme after being chosen in 2025 to build the Air Force’s F-47.
The F/A-XX will form part of the Navy’s Next Generation Air Dominance family and is intended to eventually replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
The aircraft is expected to feature advanced stealth, greater range and endurance, and the ability to operate alongside unmanned combat aircraft and carrier-based defence systems.
The Navy plans to continue acquiring F-35C fighters, which will operate alongside the F/A-XX after its introduction. Initial production aircraft are expected in the 2030s.
The contract is expected to support Boeing’s fighter operations in St Louis, Missouri, where Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler production is winding down.
Boeing said it has invested in facilities, technology and personnel to support multiple next-generation aircraft programmes.
The programme had faced delays over concerns about engineering and supply-chain capacity. Congress later provided additional funding.
Lockheed Martin was eliminated from the competition in 2025, leaving Boeing and Northrop as the final contenders.
Following the announcement, Boeing shares rose about 2.25% in extended trading, while Northrop shares fell around 3.5%.
