The U.S. Navy plans to issue a contract for a sixth-generation fighter, which is expected to debut in the 2030s. The military branch anticipates the long-range attack jet will feature advanced sensors, lethality, and range, according to Naval Operations Chief Lisa Franchetti.
Choosing Between Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing
Franchetti added that the program, known as F/A-XX, is in the source selection phase as the Navy evaluates proposals from Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing.
The Navy wants the F/A-XX, which is expected to replace the E/A-18 Growler and F/A-18 Super Hornet, to offer extended range and feature additional electronic warfare and sensing capabilities compared to the F-35C fifth-generation aircraft.
Sixth-Gen Fighter Jet Announcement Follows the Air Force’s NGAD Pause
The announcement followed the Air Force’s decision to pause its Next-Generation Air Dominance program due to cost concerns and doubts about it being the optimal choice to counter emerging threats.
A crewed NGAD aircraft could cost up to $300 million. Despite the pause, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said last July that the branch would eventually develop a crewed sixth-generation aircraft.
However, the Navy has endured its own budget constraints, including a March announcement that delayed about $1 billion in funding for F/A-XX to prioritize current readiness.
U.S. Navy Experiencing Budget Constraints
The Navy could face additional budget cuts as legislators hope to authorize a second Virginia-class submarine. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that such a move would require a $400 million reduction in the Navy’s Next Generation Fighter program.
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