The United States Navy and Department of War have tapped Boeing to build the F/A-XX stealth strike fighter as part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative. The contract, valued at more than $20 billion, covers full-scale development and includes multiple test aircraft for airworthiness, systems, ground, and weapons integration testing. The jet enters service in the 2030s to operate alongside the F-35C and replace the EA-18G Growler and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

This award makes Boeing the only U.S. manufacturer of sixth-generation combat aircraft, a position consolidated after the company won the Air Force's F-47 contract in March 2025. The decision beats out Northrop Grumman and excludes competitors Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman from the current 6th gen category, although Lockheed remains the producer of the fifth-generation F-35. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao described the F/A-XX as a generational leap in air superiority.