The U.S. Department of Defense is poised to select a contractor this week to develop the Navy’s F/A-XX stealth fighter, a pivotal project aimed at maintaining naval superiority amid growing competition with China. Boeing and Northrop Grumman remain finalists for the multibillion-dollar program, which will replace aging F/A-18E/F Super Hornets.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth greenlit the selection process on Friday, according to sources familiar with the matter. While an announcement could come imminently, insiders caution that last-minute delays – a recurring issue in this program – might still alter timelines.
Strategic Implications for Asia-Pacific Security
The F/A-XX program represents more than technological advancement: its success could determine the U.S. Navy’s ability to operate carrier-based aircraft in contested regions through the 2030s. Planned features include enhanced stealth capabilities, extended operational range, and integration with uncrewed combat systems – all seen as critical for countering advanced air defense networks.
Analysts note that delays in fielding this sixth-generation fighter risk creating capability gaps as China modernizes its own military aviation and naval forces. The program’s progress is being closely monitored by security partners across Asia, where freedom of navigation and power projection capabilities remain hot-button issues.
