The Pentagon has selected Boeing to build the US Navy’s next-generation strike fighter under a contract valued at $20 billion. US officials announced the decision Tuesday. The programme will produce F/A-XX aircraft under the Navy’s Next Generation Air Dominance programme.

The new aircraft will replace the Navy’s ageing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet from the 2030s. The F/A-XX is being developed as a sixth-generation fighter with advanced capabilities for future air combat operations.

The decision marks the second time Boeing has won a Pentagon contract for a sixth-generation fighter during the second Trump administration. In March 2025, President Donald Trump announced that the US Air Force had selected Boeing to build a new stealth fighter.

"Delivering two advanced fighters in parallel was always our plan, and we invested accordingly. We are ready and able to build multiple concurrent future combat aircraft franchise programs," said Steve Parker, head of Boeing Defence, Space & Security.

Pentagon Undersecretary Michael Duffey said the programme will play a key role in future US air power. "The F/A-XX platform represents a crucial, non-negotiable investment in America's national security and long-term air combat capabilities," said Pentagon undersecretary Michael Duffey. "We are joining forces with Boeing to field these capabilities."

Boeing said construction is continuing at its secure manufacturing facility in St. Louis. The company described the site as the largest facility of its kind in the United States. Boeing added that technical and programme details of the F/A-XX remain classified under US national security and export laws.

Boeing won the contract after competing against Northrop Grumman. Northrop said it had proposed a highly survivable and digitally advanced sixth-generation fighter for the US Navy. "For F/A-XX, Northrop Grumman offered a highly survivable, digitally advanced sixth-generation fighter to the US Navy," Northrop said Tuesday. "We look forward to receiving additional information about their selection."

The Navy has said the new aircraft must expand its reach, survivability and striking power. At a Senate hearing in May 2026, Admiral Daryl Caudle, chief of naval operations, said the next-generation system would be expected to operate alongside unmanned systems.

"Failure to field next-generation carrier aviation capability on schedule will introduce risk to air superiority, strike reach and the long-term viability of carrier-based operations in contested environments," Caudle said.

The contract announcement also affected both companies’ shares. Boeing stock gained 2.4 per cent in after-hours trading, while Northrop Grumman shares fell 3.6 per cent.