F/A-XX
Boeing or Northrop Grumman (TBD) · Carrier-Based Strike Fighter (6th Gen) / Carrier Strike Fighter / Air Superiority · USA · Digital Age (2010–present)
The F/A-XX program is the US Navy's sixth-generation carrier-based fighter effort — the planned successor to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, and eventually the F-35C Lightning II. It sits alongside the US Air Force's NGAD F-47 programme, which Boeing won in March 2025. Three primes remain in contention as of 2026: Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. Source-selection is planned for 2026-2027, first flight around 2030, and service entry around 2035.
Many requirements are classified, but publicly disclosed targets cover five areas. First, carrier suitability — full Nimitz- and Ford-class compatibility, including arrestor-hook recovery, catapult launch, and folding-wing storage. Second, low-observable shaping at least matching the F-35 and ideally exceeding the F-22. Third, range well beyond the F/A-18E/F's 1,800 km combat radius, with targets between 1,800 and 2,800 km, matching or exceeding the F-35C. Fourth, a twin-engine layout — mandated for carrier safety, since a single-engine failure during catapult or landing is a critical failure mode. Fifth, manned-unmanned teaming: the F/A-XX will fly with Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), AI-piloted unmanned wingmen handling sensor coverage, weapons carriage, and electronic-attack roles. Programme budget is around $15-25 billion for development and roughly $100 billion across the lifetime.
Schedule slips have hit the programme more than once. Original plans called for 2025 source-selection and 2030 first flight; both have moved to the 2026-2027 window for selection. Pentagon budget deliberations have weighed F/A-XX against concurrent stealth-aircraft efforts (NGAD F-47, B-21 Raider). The three competing primes continue risk-reduction studies, with Boeing and Lockheed Martin flying X-plane-class demonstrators. This is the most consequential US Navy fighter development since the F-35C selection in 2001, and the winner will define US naval air-superiority through the second half of the 21st century. The chosen design will progressively replace 350+ F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and complement a planned 273 F-35Cs from around 2035 through roughly 2070.
For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version
The F/A-XX is a brand-new fighter jet being planned for the American Navy. It will fly from aircraft carriers at sea. It is a sixth-generation jet, which means it will be one of the most advanced planes ever built.
This new jet will replace older Navy jets called the Super Hornet and the Growler. Three big companies are competing to build it: Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. The Navy will pick a winner around 2026 or 2027.
The F/A-XX needs to be very stealthy, which means it will be hard for enemies to detect on radar. It also needs to fly very far. Its range will be longer than most jets flying today from carriers.
The jet must have two engines, not one. This keeps the pilot safe during takeoff and landing on a carrier. It will also team up with drone wingmen to help on missions.
The first test flight is planned for around 2030. Pilots could be flying it in service by 2035. This jet will be faster than a lot of current Navy aircraft and far more capable.
Fun Facts
- The F/A-XX is a sixth-generation jet — the newest kind of fighter ever planned.
- Three giant companies are racing each other to design and build this jet.
- The Navy wants a combat range bigger than most current carrier jets flying today.
- It must fold its wings to fit inside a tight aircraft carrier hangar.
- The jet uses a hook to catch a wire on the carrier deck and stop quickly.
- It will team up with friendly drones that fly alongside it as helpers.
- The F/A-XX will replace the Super Hornet, which has served the Navy for many years.
- A winner will be chosen around 2026 or 2027, but the jet won't fly until about 2030.
Kids’ Questions
What is the F/A-XX?
The F/A-XX is a next-generation fighter jet being planned for the American Navy. It will land and take off from giant aircraft carriers at sea. It is meant to replace older jets like the Super Hornet.
Why does it need two engines?
Landing on a moving ship at sea is very dangerous. If one engine stops working, the second engine can still keep the jet flying safely. That is why the Navy requires two engines on this jet.
When will it be ready to fly?
The first test flight is planned for around 2030. After lots of testing, Navy pilots could start using it around 2035. That is still several years away!
Who is building it?
Three companies — Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman — are each working on their own designs. The Navy will pick the best one around 2026 or 2027. Only one company will win and get to build the real jet.
Variants
- F/A-XX (in competition)
- Source-selection planned 2026-2027.
Notable Operators
- US Navy (planned 2035)
- Principal operator. Super Hornet replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does F/A-XX differ from F-47 NGAD?
F/A-XX (US Navy) and F-47 NGAD (US Air Force) are sister sixth-generation fighter programmes, but very different operating environments drive very different designs. Carrier suitability is the first divider: F/A-XX must catapult-launch, hook-recover, and fit carrier deck and hangar dimensions with folded wings, while F-47 is land-base optimised. Propulsion follows: F/A-XX must be twin-engine for carrier safety; F-47 specifications are classified but may be single-engine. Range targets differ too — F/A-XX needs roughly 2,000-2,800 km combat radius for Pacific-theatre carrier operations reaching inland threats, while F-47 needs 3,000+ km from land bases to potential targets. The two aircraft will come from potentially different primes — Boeing won F-47, while Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman remain in the F/A-XX competition — and will use different propulsion and airframe configurations. Both will share AI-CCA wingman technology and sensor architecture, and the Navy and Air Force are coordinating sub-system commonality where possible to manage cost.
Sources
See Also
- Boeing F-47 — USAF NGAD counterpart
- F/A-18E/F Super Hornet — Direct replacement target