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42m ago

Pentagon Clears Final Downselect for Navy’s F/A-XX Fighter, Decision Expected This Week

The decision follows a protracted funding dispute that slowed the program.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, in Quantico, Virginia, U.S., September 30, 2025. Andrew Harnik/Pool via REUTERS
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Overview

  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved advancing the contractor selection last week, according to U.S. officials.
  • The Navy could name a winner within days, though sources caution last-minute snags have delayed progress before.
  • Boeing and Northrop Grumman are the remaining contenders after Lockheed Martin was removed from the competition earlier this year.
  • The F/A-XX is envisioned as a carrier-based, stealthy, long-range fighter designed to operate with uncrewed aircraft and carrier air defenses.
  • A spring and summer funding dispute delayed the effort; the Pentagon sought $74 million in R&D while Congress later added funding, including a $1.4 billion earmark for fiscal 2026.
  • Program quantities, value, and exact timelines remain classified, but first jets are expected in the 2030s as F/A-18E/F Super Hornets continue in service into the 2040s.