The US Navy has selected Boeing to build the next-generation F/A-XX fighter, a critical pillar in the country's commitment to maintaining peace through strength.
- The US Navy has selected Boeing to build the next-generation F/A-XX fighter.
- The F/A-XX will be interoperable with both manned and unmanned platforms.
- The contract is worth $20 billion for the full-scale development phase.
The US Navy has selected Boeing to build the next-generation F/A-XX fighter, a critical pillar in the country's commitment to maintaining peace through strength.
The F/A-XX will be a generational leap in air superiority, providing the world's best aviators with unparalleled capabilities to fight, win, and come home safe.
The F/A-XX Program: A Critical Pillar in US Defense
The F/A-XX program has been the subject of funding disputes for years, with engineering and supply chain concerns prompting some Pentagon officials to push for delaying the program.
However, the contract award marks another milestone victory for Boeing, which has now all but guaranteed its monopoly on sixth-generation fighters across the services.
Background on the F/A-XX Program
The F/A-XX program was first announced in 2016, with the goal of developing a next-generation fighter that would replace the aging F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers.
In 2019, the Navy awarded Boeing a $2.2 billion contract for the F/A-XX's conceptual design phase, which was seen as a major step forward for the program.
However, the program has faced numerous delays and setbacks, including a 2020 report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that highlighted concerns over the program's cost, schedule, and technical risks.
Despite these challenges, the Navy has continued to invest in the F/A-XX program, with a 2022 budget request that included $1.4 billion for the program's full-scale development phase.
Key Features of the F/A-XX Fighter
- The F/A-XX will be interoperable with both manned and unmanned platforms.
- The F/A-XX will have an extended range to provide power projection from U.S. carriers.
- The F/A-XX will dominate contested airspace, extend operational reach, and deliver a decisive combat advantage for the warfighter.
What's Next for the F/A-XX Program?
The F/A-XX program is expected to replace the aging inventory of F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers beginning in the 2030s.
The contract, according to a Pentagon release, 'procures multiple test aircraft for ground, airworthiness, systems, and weapons integration testing.'
The F/A-XX will be a critical component of the US Navy's next-generation fighter fleet, operating alongside the F-35 and providing unparalleled capabilities to the warfighter.
In the coming years, the Navy will continue to work with Boeing to develop and test the F/A-XX, with a focus on ensuring that the aircraft meets the Navy's requirements for performance, reliability, and maintainability.
As the F/A-XX program moves forward, it will be closely watched by defense industry observers and policymakers, who will be looking for signs of progress and potential challenges.
Sources
- Defensenews: US Navy selects Boeing to build next-generation F/A-XX fighter
- Google: US Navy selects Boeing to build next-generation F/A-XX fighter - Defense News
