U.S. Navy Nears F/A-XX Sixth-Generation Fighter Decision as Boeing and Northrop Battle for Contract

The U.S. Navy is nearing a decision on its F/A-XX sixth-generation carrier fighter, with Boeing and Northrop Grumman remaining in competition ahead of an expected August 2026 downselect, according to Defense IQ’s 2026 International Fighter Aircraft Global Market Report. Long-range threats are increasingly forcing U.S. carriers to operate farther from contested areas, heightening the urgency of fielding an F/A-18 replacement that can preserve carrier air superiority and long-range strike capability across the Indo-Pacific. Read full Naval News at this link …

Boeing rendering of a future U.S. Navy carrier-based sixth-generation fighter concept associated with the F/A-XX program, which is intended to replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and preserve carrier air superiority, long-range strike reach, and survivability in contested Indo-Pacific operations. (Image source: Boeing)

Read More