War Department, U.S. Navy Greenlight F/A-XX Next-Gen Fighter Contract
Contract Award Details
On Sept. 29, the War Department and U.S. Navy jointly awarded a foundational contract to advance the F/A-XX program, the next-generation carrier-based fighter. The agreement covers detailed design, systems integration and initial prototyping phases.
- Prime contractors: A consortium led by AeroTech Industries, in partnership with Vertex Avionics and Stellar Dynamics.
- Scope: Airframe development, low-observability features, sensor fusion and weapons integration.
- Duration: Design and prototyping slated through FY32 with optional production preparatory work.
- Sites: Major workshare across key aerospace hubs in California, Texas, and Florida.
- Compliance: Meets requirements of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act for next-gen force projection.
Program Vision
The F/A-XX platform is designed to succeed the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet with extended range, multi-domain network integration and artificial intelligence-enabled targeting. It will operate alongside unmanned wingmen and allied assets to maintain carrier air wing overmatch in contested environments.
Financial Commitment
This contract represents a multi-billion-dollar investment programmed in FY27-31 of the Future Years Defense Program. It underscores sustained funding profiles for advanced air superiority assets.
- FY27–28: $1.2 billion allocated for engineering and manufacturing development.
- FY29–31: Additional $2.8 billion for prototype builds, flight test campaigns and production readiness.
- Cost controls: Modular open-systems architecture to drive lifecycle savings and upgrade agility.
Industrial Base and Workforce Impact
By engaging a broad supplier network, the award sustains over 12,000 direct and indirect manufacturing and R&D jobs. Small-business set-aside elements ensure participation by specialized component vendors and technology innovators.
Path Forward
Next milestones include a preliminary design review in Q4 FY27, followed by digital twin validations and full-scale subsonic demonstrator assembly in FY29. A competitive production contract is anticipated in FY32, paving the way for initial operational capability by FY35.