The U.S. Navy and Department of War (DoW) have contracted Boeing for Sixth-Generation F/A-XX Strike Fighters under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. Worth more than $20 billion, the contract covers full-scale development, including multiple experimental aircraft for ground, airworthiness, systems, and weapons integration testing. Extending the range of naval aircraft carriers, the Sixth-Generation F/A-XX fighter is being designed for interoperability with crewed and uncrewed systems such as Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). 

Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment, explained: “The F/A-XX is a critical pillar in our commitment to maintaining peace through strength. F/A-XX will dominate contested airspace, extend operational reach, and deliver a decisive combat advantage for the warfighter.” Regarding the importance of the F/A-XX platform for national security and working with Boeing to achieve the system’s capabilities, Duffey added: “The F/A-XX platform represents a crucial, non-negotiable investment in America's national security and long-term air combat capabilities. We are joining forces with Boeing to field these capabilities rapidly, ensuring our warfighters possess the lethal and highly networked systems required to deter aggression, project undisputed power, and secure absolute air superiority.”

Acting Secretary of the Navy, Hung Cao, called the contract a major accomplishment: “This achievement marks a new era for the U.S. Navy. The Sixth-Generation fighter is a generational leap in air superiority and will provide the world's best aviators with unparalleled capabilities to fight, win, and come home safe. We are excited to partner with Boeing, and for our warfighters to continue to dominate the skies and defeat our nation's enemies.” F/A-XX Strike Fighters (see figure) will be developed to operate alongside F-35C fighter aircraft and eventually replace F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers in the 2030s.