Boeing will build the U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX fighter jet under a contract worth more than $20 billion

The U.S. Department of Defense has selected Boeing to produce the U.S. Navy’s next-generation fighter jet, provisionally designated F/A-XX. The contract is valued at more than $20 billion and represents one of the most significant U.S. investments in military aviation.

The new aircraft is designed as a sixth-generation fighter and is expected to replace the F/A-18E Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft beginning in the 2030s. The F/A-XX will operate alongside F-35C aircraft used by U.S. Navy aircraft carriers.

Boeing said the aircraft will feature an advanced systems architecture, modern mission technologies and expanded operational capabilities. The company was also selected in March 2025 to develop the F-47 aircraft for the U.S. Air Force.

Boeing’s competitor in the process was Northrop Grumman, which said it had proposed a sixth-generation aircraft with enhanced protection and an advanced digital platform. Following the announcement, Boeing shares rose 2.21%, while Northrop Grumman shares fell 3.69% in electronic trading.