Boeing has received a contract exceeding $20bn from the US Navy to develop the F/A-XX sixth-generation strike fighter under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programme.
The full-scale development award encompasses the design, construction, and delivery of multiple aircraft for use in ground, airworthiness, systems, and weapons integration testing.
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The F/A-XX is expected to enter service in the 2030s, initially augmenting and eventually replacing legacy F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers. It will operate alongside the Navy’s F-35C.
In line with this transition, Boeing has also received a $16.67m firm-fixed-price order to provide planning, analysis, engineering, and programme management support for the closure of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler production lines.
Neither Boeing nor the Department of War (DoW) has disclosed technical and programme details of F/A-XX due to US national security and export laws.
However, DoW stated that the aircraft would be interoperable with crewed and uncrewed platforms, including Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), and would increase the capability of each CCA it operates with.
DoW acquisition and sustainment under secretary Michael Duffey said: “The F/A-XX is a critical pillar in our commitment to maintaining peace through strength. F/A-XX will dominate contested airspace, extend operational reach, and deliver a decisive combat advantage for the warfighter.
“The F/A-XX platform represents a crucial, non-negotiable investment in America’s national security and long-term air combat capabilities.”
The contract is Boeing’s second selection for sixth-generation fighter work, following the US Air Force’s F-47 award in 2025.
Boeing said construction was continuing on a secure manufacturing facility in St Louis. The company has also linked the programme to investments in technology and its workforce.
Boeing defence, space and security president and CEO Steve Parker said: “It’s an honour to be selected to produce the Navy’s first sixth-generation platform.”
In a separate development, Boeing received a Department of the Air Force contract for 22 F-15EX Eagle II aircraft under Lot 7.
The award followed collaboration between programme management, contracting, pricing, engineering, financial management and logistics teams.
The F-15EX is a multirole heavy fighter based on the F-15 design. It incorporates updated avionics, large-area displays, a digital backbone architecture and enhanced survivability features, and is intended to replace ageing F-15C and F-15D aircraft.
