The U.S. Navy is poised to reveal the manufacturer of its next-generation carrier-based stealth fighter this week, a decision that could shape American air power for decades. The highly anticipated F/A-XX program, valued in the hundreds of billions of dollars over its lifetime, is a cornerstone of U.S. military strategy aimed at countering China's rising influence in the Indo-Pacific, according to sources familiar with the matter.
In the immediate term, the contract is expected to be worth several billion dollars as it enters the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase. The F/A-XX is being developed to replace the aging F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet, bringing advanced capabilities to the Navy’s arsenal. The winning company will lead the design and production of the aircraft, marking a critical step in the program's evolution.
The new fighter is anticipated to feature cutting-edge stealth technology, greater operational range, and improved endurance. Additionally, it will be designed to seamlessly integrate with uncrewed combat aircraft and the Navy’s broader carrier-based air defense systems, enhancing the service’s overall combat effectiveness. The Navy has yet to issue a public statement on the upcoming contract, and newly confirmed Secretary of the Navy John Phelan has not commented on the selection process.
Competition for the contract has been fierce, with Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman vying for the lucrative deal. Boeing, despite facing setbacks such as labor strikes, engineering layoffs, and issues with its Starliner capsule and KC-46 tanker program, recently gained momentum by securing the Air Force’s F-47 contract. The company also produces the MQ-25, the Navy’s carrier-based uncrewed refueling aircraft, potentially allowing for cost efficiencies through shared technology and bulk material purchases.
Northrop Grumman, known for its expertise in stealth technology with the development of the B-2 and B-21 bombers, is also a strong contender. Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin was initially seen as a frontrunner but reportedly failed to meet the Navy’s stringent requirements, particularly regarding advanced radar systems and enhanced carrier landing capabilities. Reuters reported on March 4 that Lockheed had been eliminated from the competition, though the Navy has yet to confirm this officially.
The first production units of the F/A-XX fighter are expected to enter service in the 2030s, gradually phasing in while the F/A-18 remains operational into the 2040s. The upcoming decision will not only determine the future of carrier-based aviation but also play a crucial role in shaping the Navy’s ability to counter emerging global threats in the coming decades.