Boeing received the long-awaited award for the F/A-XX, a 6th-generation strike fighter developed for the United States Navy. The announcement came early Wednesday, jointly made by the Department of War and Boeing. The contract, valued at more than $20B, will span the full-scale development of the airframe.
Carrier Capable
The U.S. Navy submitted an RFP for the F/A-XX in late 2023. The request had four main criteria: an operational range increase of at least 25% over the legacy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the ability to operate with Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), an Open Mission Systems (OMS) format, and carrier compatibility with advanced survivability.
The 6th-generation aircraft is expected to replace the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers sometime in the 2030s. The Navy strike fighter will operate alongside the F-35C, the carrier-specific variant of the military’s fighter jet.
Air Dominance
The F/A-XX, which is yet to receive its official name, aims to achieve air dominance when facing 6th-generation fighters from adversary nations.
“The F/A-XX is a critical pillar in our commitment to maintaining peace through strength. F/A-XX will dominate contested airspace, extend operational reach, and deliver a decisive combat advantage for the warfighter,” Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael P. Duffey said in a statement from the Department of War. “The F/A-XX platform represents a crucial, non-negotiable investment in America’s national security and long-term air combat capabilities.”
Boeing submitted proposals alongside Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin in competition for the Navy’s F/A-XX.
“We are joining forces with Boeing to field these capabilities rapidly, ensuring our warfighters possess the lethal and highly networked systems required to deter aggression, project undisputed power, and secure absolute air superiority,” Duffey said.
When the F-47 was awarded to Boeing, there was discussion about the airframe serving both requisitions. The Navy pressed to continue with the F/A-XX because of the demands of a carrier-based aircraft.
“The sixth-generation fighter is a generational leap in air superiority and will provide the world’s best aviators with unparalleled capabilities to fight, win, and come home safe. We are excited to partner with Boeing, and for our warfighters to continue to dominate the skies and defeat our nation’s enemies.”
New Manufacturing Facility
Boeing is completing construction of its secure manufacturing facility in St. Louis. The advanced facility features 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,” said Steve Parker, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security.
Boeing will work jointly on the F/A-XX and the F-47, which Boeing was awarded last year. “Delivering two advanced fighters in parallel was always our plan, and we invested accordingly,” Parker said in a company statement. “We are ready and able to build multiple concurrent future combat aircraft franchise programs.”
