Overview
- Multiple reports indicate Pentagon leaders plan to slip the F/A‑XX program by roughly one to two years instead of moving to a downselect now.
- Navy leaders say the jet is required for Pacific scenarios, and Congress added nearly $1 billion to push the schedule faster.
- Boeing and Northrop Grumman are reported to have flown prototypes, with supplier networks ready to proceed once the program advances.
- The concept pairs roughly 25% more unrefueled range with MQ‑25 tanker support targeted for 2026 and long‑range weapons like LRASM and SM‑6 to enable near‑1,000‑mile strike effects.
- China’s naval aviation is accelerating, including the November commissioning of the carrier Fujian and testing of a carrier‑capable stealth demonstrator.