Boeing wins US$20 billion contract for Navy's F/A-XX fighter

Boeing has been awarded a US$20 billion contract by the United States Navy to develop the F/A-XX, a sixth-generation fighter aircraft designed to replace the current F/A-18 Super Hornet fleet.

Unlike the Air Force's pursuit of a dedicated air superiority interceptor, the Navy requires a multi-role fighter capable of operating from aircraft carriers. This necessitates a robust airframe designed to withstand catapult launches, wire-arrest landings, and saltwater corrosion. The aircraft is expected to feature advanced mission systems, open architecture, and increased operational range.

Due to national security and export control laws, many technical details remain highly classified. However, available renderings suggest a wider fuselage to accommodate internal weapons bays and fuel, the use of chines for improved aerodynamics and stealth, and the potential presence of canards to assist with low-speed control during carrier operations. Boeing secured the contract over rival Northrop Grumman.