The Department of Defense and the U.S. Navy have awarded Boeing a $20 billion contract to develop F/A-XX Strike Fighter jets.
The F/A-XX is the US Navy’s next-generation, carrier-based sixth-generation stealth fighter jet. They are being developed to replace aging F/A-18E/F Super Hornets by the 2030s, and will operate alongside F-35C jets and uncrewed autonomous drones as a crucial component of U.S. national security.
DOD announced the contract on Tuesday, saying that Boeing will procure multiple test aircraft for ground, airworthiness, systems and weapons integration testing under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.
“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 war fighter,” said Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment, in a statement.
Steve Parker, president and chief executive officer, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, called the contract an “honor” in a statement.
“Backed by decades of work, bolstered by game-changing innovations and solidified by the investments we’ve made in new facilities uniquely suited to build multiple products with next generation capabilities, our dedicated and talented team is ready to execute this critical program,” Parker said.
Boeing Provides for Pentagon As Defense Spending Booms
Defense is a key priority under President Donald Trump’s second administration.
This new contract comes after the GOP-led House of Representatives passed the $900 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in December 2025. This included the allocation of more than $38 billion for the development, procurement or modification of aircraft, including full funding for the U.S. Air Force’s F-47 and Navy’s F/A-XX 6th Generation Aircraft programs.
“The F/A-XX platform represents a crucial, non-negotiable investment in America’s national security and long-term air combat capabilities,” Duffey said. “We are joining forces with Boeing to field these capabilities rapidly, ensuring our war fighters possess the lethal and highly networked systems required to deter aggression, project undisputed power, and secure absolute air superiority.”
Boeing is also one of the Pentagon’s top contractors.
In March 2025, Boeing was selected for the U.S. Air Force’s stealthy F-47 fighter program and, earlier this month, the company also secured a massive $13.4 billion ceiling modification for foreign military sales, cementing its massive role in reshaping future American and global air superiority fleets.
“Delivering two advanced fighters in parallel was always our plan, and we invested accordingly. We are ready and able to build multiple concurrent future combat aircraft franchise programs,” Parker said.
Boeing will construct the jets at its secure manufacturing facility in St. Louis, Mo.
The technical and programmatic details of the project will remain classified under U.S. national security and export laws.
