Boeing has been awarded a contract worth over $20 billion by the U.S. Navy to develop its next-generation fighter jet, the F/A-XX Strike Fighter. This advanced aircraft is designed to replace the F/A-18 Super Hornets and will feature open mission systems and enhanced operational capabilities.
This win comes shortly after Boeing was also selected by the Air Force for a similar sixth-generation fighter program, underscoring the company’s leading role in modern military aviation development. The news comes amidst separate reports of a software glitch delaying the certification of Boeing’s 737 Max 10 aircraft.
In a significant win for the aerospace giant, the U.S. Navy has awarded Boeing a lucrative contract, exceeding $20 billion, to spearhead the development of its next-generation fighter jets. This landmark deal positions Boeing at the forefront of military aviation innovation, tasked with creating the F/A-XX Strike Fighter, slated to succeed the current F/A-18 Super Hornet fleet.
The contract encompasses the full-scale development phase, underscoring the U.S. defense department's confidence in Boeing's capabilities. The F/A-XX program aims to integrate advanced open mission systems architecture, cutting-edge mission systems, and enhance operational reach and capacity, promising a formidable advancement in air combat technology.
An experimental Boeing 777X aircraft at the Dubai Air Show in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025. (Christopher Pike | Bloomberg | Getty Images)
Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of War for acquisition and sustainment, emphasized the strategic importance of the F/A-XX, stating, "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."
This victory marks Boeing's second major sixth-generation fighter jet contract in recent times, following the Air Force's selection in 2025 to develop its F-47 fighter. The company's stock saw a positive reaction, closing 1.8% higher on Tuesday following the announcement.
In related news, Boeing recently disclosed a software glitch affecting certain 737 Max 10 aircraft, potentially impacting landing procedures. This led the FAA to delay certification of the aircraft, with Administrator Bryan Bedford stating that the agency is diligently investigating to ensure safety before proceeding.
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