US Navy’s FA-XX programme still an “option”, as FY2026 US defence budget outline proposed
The FA-XX programme’s sixth-generation aircraft is intended to replace the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet. (Photo: USN)
The US Navy’s answer to a sixth-generation fighter has experienced a range of setbacks and delays to the programme, with only $47 million in this latest proposed budget set aside for completing the aircraft.
The US Navy’s FA-XX programme remains an open “option” for the US, despite its current focus on funding the F-47 programme, senior US defence officials have said during a Pentagon media briefing, outlining the proposed FY2026 US defence budget.
The FY2026 defence budget will see a 13.4% increase from fiscal year 2025. Of the FY2026 budget, the US Air Force (USAF) is slated to receive $301.1 billion, with the remaining budget divided down to $197.4 billion for the Army, $292.2 billion for the Navy (USN) and $170.9 billion defence wide.
The FA-XX programme was initially launched in 2015. The aircraft will replace
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Dubai Airshow 2025: Anduril and Edge joint venture unveils Omen tailsitter UAV]()
Dubai Airshow 2025: Anduril and Edge joint venture unveils Omen tailsitter UAV
The Group 3 UAV has also netted its first order from the UAE for 50 platforms, with full-scale production scheduled for 2028.
-
![Russian fighter jet exportability threatened by sanctions, says think tank]()
Russian fighter jet exportability threatened by sanctions, says think tank
The think tank realised its report just days before the Dubai Airshow, where the Su-57E Russian fighter jet and Yak-130M trainer and light attack aircraft will make their Middle Eastern debuts.
-
![Analysis: South American domestic drone programmes fly high]()
Analysis: South American domestic drone programmes fly high
While South American militaries will continue to import drone technology from extra-regional suppliers, the successful test of a locally manufactured kamikaze drone by the Brazilian Navy demonstrates the rising role of “made in South America” systems.
-
![UAE: Domestic industries set to dominate the country’s $5.24 billion UAV market]()
UAE: Domestic industries set to dominate the country’s $5.24 billion UAV market
The UAE is the second-highest spender on uncrewed aerial vehicles in the Middle East and the 15th-highest spender on the capability globally.
