Boeing has secured a United States Navy contract estimated at more than 20 billion dollars to build the military branch's next-generation fighter aircraft.
The Pentagon announced on Tuesday, September 29, that it selected the aerospace manufacturer for the program, which is currently designated as the FA-XX.
According to a Pentagon press release, the new jet will replace Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet multirole fighter and EA-18G Growler electronic warfare platform at some point during the 2030s. The aircraft will operate alongside the F-35C, the naval version of the latest technology fighter in the United States arsenal.
Boeing is one of the world's largest defense contractors and aerospace manufacturers. The company's Defense, Space and Security division designs and produces military aircraft, weapons systems, and satellite technology for global defense customers.
Sixth-generation naval jet
Steve Parker, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Defense, Space and Security, said in a corporate press release that the company was honored by its selection to produce the navy's first sixth-generation platform.
The manufacturer promised that the future aircraft would bring a revolution to aviation through advancements in open mission systems architecture, advanced mission systems, and advanced operational capabilities.
Parker added, in comments reported by the Athens News Agency citing Agence France-Presse, that building two advanced fighters in parallel had always been Boeing's plan. He said the company had invested to achieve that capability and remained ready to manufacture multiple fighters across different programs.
Sixth-generation aircraft represent the newest class of military fighters under development, built to integrate digital architecture, stealth design, and automated flight systems for naval and air warfare.
Boeing was previously awarded a contract in March 2025 to build the F-47 next-generation fighter for the United States Air Force. The designation of that aircraft serves as a tribute to Donald Trump, the 47th president of the United States.
To support its military production, Boeing is currently constructing a new ultra-high-security factory in St. Louis, Missouri. The facility has been described as the largest ever built in the United States.
St. Louis has historically served as a core manufacturing hub for Boeing's military aircraft operations, hosting assembly lines and engineering teams dedicated to defense aviation projects.
Market reaction and competition
Rival defense contractor Northrop Grumman also competed for the next-generation Navy fighter contract, pitching a system designed with advanced computing capabilities.
Northrop Grumman is a prominent American defense and aerospace firm specializing in stealth technology, military electronics, and autonomous systems.
Following the announcement, Boeing stock rose 2.21 percent in after-hours trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Shares in Northrop Grumman fell 3.69 percent during the same trading period.
