In the United States, the Navy has announced that its program relating to a sixth generation fighter, F/A-XX, is now in the operational testing and evaluation stage which started between December 2024 and April 2025.
Lockheed Martin was excluded from the selection as their proposal did not meet the Navy’s requirements, leaving Northrop Grumman and Boeing as the only contenders.
The F/A-XX will replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the EA-18G Growler, both Boeing aircraft, collaborating with Lockheed Martin’s F-35C Lightning II.
The Navy’s program is autonomous and separate from the NGAD initiative of the United States Air Force.
The different operational needs of the Navy and the Air Force are reflected in their respective projects, with the Navy seeking a low-risk, cost-effective, and multi-role aircraft, while the Air Force requires air superiority for the NGAD to achieve air supremacy.
Compared to the Super Hornet/Growler that it will replace, the F/A-XX will be faster, have greater autonomy, and weapons transport capabilities.
Also, the Navy requires that the F/A-XX be capable of controlling various UAV/Loyal Wingman and refuel from remote-piloted MQ-25 tanker aircraft.
Source US Navy
Image credit @Boeing
Image credit @Boeing
