Washington, Sep 30 (V7N)- Boeing has won a contract worth more than $20 billion to develop the US Navy’s next-generation carrier-based stealth fighter, the Pentagon has announced.

The F/A-XX programme is intended to produce a sixth-generation fighter for the Navy and will compete in the future carrier air wing alongside the F-35C. Boeing defeated Northrop Grumman in the competition for the development contract.

The contract covers the full-scale development phase and includes multiple test aircraft for ground, airworthiness, systems and weapons-integration testing. The Navy expects the aircraft to begin entering service in the 2030s.

The new fighter is expected to initially supplement and eventually replace the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fleets. The aircraft is also being designed to operate with unmanned systems as part of the Navy’s future carrier air wing.

The award marks Boeing’s second major sixth-generation fighter programme in consecutive years. In March 2025, the company was selected to develop the US Air Force’s next-generation fighter, later designated the F-47.

Boeing’s experience building carrier-based aircraft, including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, was a factor in the competition. The company said it had invested in facilities and capabilities to support multiple next-generation aircraft programmes simultaneously.

The F/A-XX programme had faced delays amid debate within the Pentagon over funding and Boeing’s ability to manage two major advanced fighter programmes at the same time. Congress continued funding the programme, while Navy officials maintained that the aircraft was needed for the future carrier air wing.

Northrop Grumman, Boeing’s rival in the final competition, said it had offered the Navy a highly survivable, digitally advanced sixth-generation fighter and was awaiting further information about the selection.

The Pentagon has described F/A-XX as a major element of the Navy’s future air-combat capabilities. Technical and programme details of the aircraft remain classified.

END/SMA/AJ