Pentagon approves contractor selection for navy’s next-generation fighter jet

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has approved the contractor selection process for the development and production of sixth-generation fighter jets for the navy.

Sources speaking to the Reuters news agency reported that the F/A-XX project, which will replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet in service since the 1990s, has reached its final phase.

The new-generation F/A-XX fighter jets are intended to have a longer range and greater flight endurance than current models.

The aircraft will also have the capability to integrate with unmanned aerial vehicles and ship-based air defense systems.

According to sources, the winner of the contract between competing companies Boeing and Northrop Grumman could be announced this week, although there is a possibility that the decision could be postponed again.

The program was previously delayed due to disagreements between the Pentagon and Congress regarding financing and contractor capacity.

The Pentagon had requested $74 million to provide “minimal funding” for the project.

According to Reuters, some officials at the Department of Defense recommended delaying the program for up to three years due to concerns about supply chains.

However, the US Navy and Congress demonstrated a commitment to accelerating the project. Accordingly, Congress allocated a budget of $750 million and an additional $1.4 billion for the 2026 fiscal year.

Decisive in terms of competition with China

Speaking to the agency, TD Cowen analyst Roman Schweitzer said the F/A-XX project is decisive in terms of competition with China.

“Beijing is extremely ambitious in developing sixth-generation aircraft prototypes and putting fifth-generation fighter and bomber aircraft into service,” Schweitzer said.

The first series-production F/A-XX aircraft are expected to be delivered in the 2030s. However, details regarding the total number of the fleet, its cost, and the delivery schedule are being kept secret.

The current F/A-18 fleet is planned to remain in service until the 2040s.