Pentagon Awards Boeing $20 Billion Contract for F/A-XX Carrier Fighter
On Tuesday, the Pentagon awarded Boeing a contract worth US$20 billion to create the next-generation carrier-based fighter aircraft for the US Navy. This agreement involves the production of F/A-XX aircraft, classified as "strike fighters," as part of the "Next Generation Air Dominance Program," as stated by the Pentagon. These advanced jets are expected to begin replacing the existing Super Hornets fleet in the 2030s, operating alongside F-35s. Notably, this is the second occasion during the second Trump administration that Boeing has been contracted for a sixth-generation weapons system; in March 2025, Trump revealed that the US Air Force had chosen Boeing to develop a new stealth fighter.
Key facts
- The Pentagon chose Boeing to build the US Navy's next-generation fighter jets.
- The contract is valued at US$20 billion.
- The aircraft are designated F/A-XX, or "strike fighters."
- The program is called the "Next Generation Air Dominance Program."
- The new jets will replace the legacy Super Hornets fleet beginning in the 2030s.
- The aircraft will fly alongside F-35s starting in the 2030s.
- This is the second time Boeing was selected by the Pentagon during the second Trump administration for a sixth-generation weapons system.
- In March 2025, Trump announced the US Air Force chose Boeing to build a new stealth fighter.
Entities
Institutions
- Pentagon
- Boeing
- US Navy
- US Air Force
- U.S. Navy
- Department of War
Locations
- United States
Sources
- Quartz —
- SCMP Culture —