US Navy awards Boeing $20B contract for next-gen F/A-XX fighter

On September 29, 2026, the Department of War and the US Navy awarded Boeing a $20 billion production contract for the sixth-generation F/A-XX fighter. The carrier-capable jet will replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler starting in the 2030s and operate alongside the F-35C and Collaborative Combat Aircraft.

• The $20B award moves F/A-XX into the developmental phase
• Boeing will build several aircraft for flight and ground testing
• F/A-XX will replace Super Hornets and Growlers from the 2030s
• The jet will be carrier-capable and work with F-35C and CCA