F/A-XX Award Gives Boeing Control of 2 Next-Gen Fighter Programs

Manufacturer was entrusted with developing the Air Force’s next-generation F-47 in 2025.

Jack Daleo

Thursday, October 01, 2026 at 02:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

This artist’s rendering released by Naval Air Systems Command is one of the few early hints at what the F/A-XX may look like. [Credit: Boeing]

Key Takeaways:

Boeing has secured the contract for the U.S. Navy's F/A-XX next-generation carrier fighter, adding it to their commitment for the Air Force's F-47 program, making them responsible for two major next-generation fighter developments slated for the 2030s.
Both the F/A-XX and F-47 are sixth-generation fighters designed to integrate with uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) as part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative, with the F/A-XX specifically aiming to extend the range of Navy carrier operations.
Despite initial low funding requests for the F/A-XX from the Navy, Congress has intervened to significantly increase allocations, and Boeing expresses confidence in its ability to deliver both multi-billion dollar programs simultaneously due to strategic investments in advanced facilities.

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With the Pentagon’s announcement this week that Boeing will develop the U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX carrier-based fighter, the manufacturer now faces pressure to deliver on two key next-generation fighter programs by the 2030s.

Boeing in 2025 won a contract valued at over $20 billion for the U.S. Air Force’s sixth-generation F-47 program to replace its F-22 Raptor fleet, with first flight targeted for 2028.