F/A-XX.. The Pentagon Awards Boeing a Contract to Develop a Sixth-Generation Fighter

The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced on Tuesday that the U.S. Navy has awarded Boeing a contract to develop the sixth-generation F/A-XX fighter jet as part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, valued at over $20 billion.

The department stated in a statement that the contract covers the comprehensive development phase and includes the production of several test aircraft for use in ground tests, flight suitability evaluations, system tests, and weapon integration.

Michael Duffy, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, mentioned that the F/A-XX fighter represents a "cornerstone" in the U.S. plans to maintain its air superiority, adding that the fighter will enable operations in contested airspace and expand operational range.

Duffy added that the development of the fighter represents an important investment in U.S. air combat capabilities in the long term, noting that the department will work with Boeing to expedite its entry into service.

The Department of Defense stated in its announcement that the F/A-XX fighter will provide the Navy with advanced capabilities to conduct operations from aircraft carriers, with an increase in air operational range.

The fighter will be capable of operating integratively with manned and unmanned platforms, including Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), enhancing the capabilities of unmanned systems operating alongside it.

Acting U.S. Navy Secretary, Hong Kao, stated that the new fighter represents a "quantum leap" in air superiority capabilities, noting that the Navy will work with Boeing to develop and introduce it into service.

The F/A-XX is set to enhance the U.S. Navy's air fleet and will gradually replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters and EA-18G Growler aircraft starting in the 2030s, while continuing to operate alongside F-35C fighters.

The U.S. Navy is betting on the F/A-XX as a sixth-generation combat platform capable of operating within a network of manned and unmanned aircraft, expanding the scope of air operations from aircraft carriers.