St. Louis – September 30, 2026 -- Boeing has been awarded a multi-billion-dollar U.S. Navy contract to design, build and deliver the F/A-XX, the service's first sixth-generation fighter aircraft.
Navy selects Boeing to replace aging F/A-18 Super Hornet fleet
The F/A-XX program will replace the Navy's F/A-18 Super Hornets, introducing open mission systems architecture, advanced mission systems and expanded operational reach and capacity. Technical and programmatic details remain classified under U.S. national security and export laws.
Boeing now runs two parallel sixth-generation fighter programs
The award marks Boeing's second sixth-generation fighter selection, following the 2025 win of the U.S. Air Force's F-47 program. "Delivering two advanced fighters in parallel was always our plan, and we invested accordingly," said Steve Parker, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. "We are ready and able to build multiple concurrent future combat aircraft franchise programs."
St. Louis facility under construction to anchor digital manufacturing push
Boeing continues building a secure manufacturing facility in St. Louis, which it describes as the largest of its kind in the U.S. and part of an all-digital aerospace design and manufacturing system. Parker said the company is investing in technology and personnel alongside facilities to support delivery on both fighter programs.