The U.S. Navy Selects Boeing to Develop Its Sixth-Generation Carrier-Based Fighter Jet

On September 29 local time, reporters learned that the U.S. Navy has selected Boeing to develop the sixth-generation carrier-based fighter F/A-XX. The U.S. Department of Defense subsequently stated that the contract for the full-scale development phase of the project is valued at over $20 billion, which will procure multiple test aircraft for ground, airworthiness, system, and weapon integration testing. The F/A-XX is expected to enter service with the U.S. Navy in the 2030s.

Previously, Boeing had already been awarded the U.S. Air Force's next-generation fighter F-47 project in 2025. It is reported that with this new F/A-XX project, Boeing will simultaneously undertake two sixth-generation fighter projects for the U.S. Air Force and Navy. The F/A-XX will gradually replace the F/A-18 "Super Hornet" and EA-18G "Growler," and will work alongside the F-35 and other models to form the future carrier air wing of the U.S. Navy. (Reporter Zhang Yingzhe)