Race for the Skies: Who Will Build the Navy's Stealth Next-Gen Fighter?

The U.S. Navy is set to announce the builder of its next-generation carrier-based stealth fighter, part of the F/A-XX program valued in the long term at hundreds of billions. Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman are contenders, with the first jets expected to enter service in the 2030s.

The U.S. Navy anticipates unveiling the winner for its advanced carrier-based stealth fighter initiative this week. Dubbed the F/A-XX program, this venture holds pivotal strategic importance as it addresses rising security challenges from China.

Competing for this lucrative project are aerospace giants Boeing Co, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman Corp. The Navy plans to select one company for the engineering and manufacturing development phase, setting the stage for future production worth potentially hundreds of billions of dollars.

The chosen aircraft will bring crucial upgrades in stealth, range, and compatibility with uncrewed systems. Despite setbacks, such as Boeing's recent hurdles, each contender aims to secure this contract of significant national defense importance.

(With inputs from agencies.)