# Navy Awards Boeing F/A-XX Contract

On September 29, 2026, the U.S. Navy selected Boeing for the F/A-XX sixth-generation carrier-fighter program and awarded a contract valued at more than $20 billion for full-scale development, including multiple test aircraft. The work includes ground, airworthiness, systems, and weapons-integration testing. The aircraft is intended to augment and eventually replace legacy Navy fighters in the 2030s and operate alongside the F-35C; technical details remain classified. Boeing is the selected prime, but the signals identify no open solicitation, subcontract notice, or procurement contact.

- **Why this matters:** The award establishes a major, long-term Navy aviation program and may create supplier and subcontracting needs in aircraft development, test support, mission systems, weapons integration, and interoperability with unmanned aircraft.
- Contractors can assess capabilities relevant to those work areas and Boeing’s stated supply-chain and integration needs, including its secure manufacturing capacity in St. Louis, while recognizing that no specific subcontracting opportunity is identified yet.
- The award also increases Boeing’s execution and industrial-base demands as it pursues multiple advanced fighter programs; firms considering participation should distinguish potential teaming interest from a formally announced procurement.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 01, 2026

### Government Entities
- United States Navy (USN)
- Department of War (DoW)

### Vendors
- Boeing (awardee and selected prime contractor)
- Northrop Grumman (losing bidder)

### Key Quotes
> 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.
> — Hung Cao, Acting Secretary of the Navy

> I know these things are expensive, and I know the defense industrial base is compressed, but we have got to figure out how to walk and chew gum here with aircraft.
> — Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations

> The jet represents a crucial, non-negotiable investment in America’s national security and long-term air combat capabilities.
> — Michael Duffey, Pentagon chief weapons buyer

### Sources
- [Boeing Wins F/A-XX Next Generation Navy Stealth Fighter Contract

F/A-XX has been a very highly anticipated contract award, especially after the Pentagon previously tried to freeze the program.

https://t.co/eI8EKj1CJ9](https://x.com/Aviation_Intel/status/2105050432838271136) - twitter-defense
- [MILITARY - DEFENSE - AVIATION 

 https://t.co/B2Eysp8Bu2](https://x.com/99788Bud/status/2105067687860728007) - twitter-defense
- [Boeing Wins F/A-XX Next Generation Navy Stealth Fighter Contract

F/A-XX has been a very highly anticipated contract award, especially after the Pentagon previously tried to freeze the program.
https://t.co/9QM9Qi8zLj](https://x.com/thewarzonewire/status/2105050746500555239) - twitter-defense