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yesterday

Spending Deal Revives Navy’s F/A‑XX, Directs EMD Award and Bars Cancellation

Appropriators seek to compel progress on the stalled carrier fighter with a near‑$1 billion boost and strict oversight.

Pictured is a U.S. Space Force photo of Lt. Gen. Phil Garrant, the head of Space Systems Command, and Col. Neil Barnas during the latter's assumption of command of the new Systems Delta 831--dedicated to positioning, navigation, and timing programs--on October 2, 2025 at Los Angeles AFB, Calif.
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Overview

  • House and Senate appropriators’ compromise bill adds about $972 million for F/A‑XX, part of roughly $3.9 billion for sixth‑generation aircraft that also includes about $3.0 billion for the Air Force’s F‑47.
  • The measure orders the Navy to award an Engineering and Manufacturing Development contract and requires a 45‑day report detailing the acquisition strategy, spending plan, and timelines for award, fielding, and IOC.
  • Bill language prohibits using current or prior‑year Defense Department funds to pause, cancel, or terminate the Next Generation Fighter program.
  • The action follows a year of delay in which the Navy did not make an award after narrowing the field to Boeing and Northrop Grumman, leaving industry and the service waiting on a decision.
  • The package also restores roughly $900 million for the E‑7 Wedgetail and protects it from cancellation, and it still must pass both chambers and be signed by the president to become law.