The Pentagon announced the selection of Boeing to develop and produce the U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX sixth-generation strike fighter under a contract valued at more than $20 billion.

The award covers the full-scale development phase and includes multiple test aircraft for ground, airworthiness, systems, and weapons integration testing. The F/A-XX will augment and eventually replace the Navy’s aging F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers beginning in the 2030s while operating alongside F-35C Joint Strike Fighters.

Boeing prevailed over Northrop Grumman in the competition. The company previously won the Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance program in March 2025 with what is now designated the F-47, giving it responsibility for both U.S. sixth-generation crewed fighter programs.

“The F/A-XX is a critical pillar in our commitment to maintaining peace through strength,” said Michael Duffey, undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment. “F/A-XX will dominate contested airspace, extend operational reach, and deliver a decisive combat advantage for the warfighter.”

Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao called the selection “a new era for the U.S. Navy” and described the aircraft as a “generational leap in air superiority.” Boeing Defense, Space & Security President and CEO Steve Parker said the firm had long planned to deliver two advanced fighters in parallel and invested accordingly.

The F/A-XX is designed for greater range, survivability, and payload than current carrier aircraft. It will feature advanced sensor fusion, open mission systems architecture, and the ability to team with manned and unmanned platforms, including Collaborative Combat Aircraft drones. Production is expected to center at Boeing’s expanded St. Louis facility.

The selection strengthens Boeing’s position in tactical aviation after years of challenges and positions the company as the primary U.S. supplier of sixth-generation fighters. The Navy views the program as essential to future carrier air wing operations in contested environments.