Will the US Navy F/A-XX and the USAF F-47 compete for production capacities?
Artistic rendering of the F/A-XX jet. (Photo: US Navy)
The two sixth-generation fighter programmes could battle for engineering talent and production lines before deliveries begin, testing Boeing’s industrial expansion plans.
Boeing’s selection for the US$20 billion US Navy’s (USN) F/A-XX initiative puts the company at the centre of both American sixth-generation fighter programmes, raising questions about whether the carrier-based aircraft and the US Air Force’s F-47 will compete for engineering talent, suppliers and manufacturing capacity.
The company plans to build both F/A-XX and F-47 in its facilities in St Louis, Missouri. At this location, it manufactures other military aircraft already contractually committed, such as the F-15EX, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and T-7A Red Hawk.
With this background, the development work for the USAF and USN efforts could start competing for
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Country-focused updates
-
![Canada targets 2027 frigate trials for CU179 Peregrine uncrewed helicopter]()
Canada targets 2027 frigate trials for CU179 Peregrine uncrewed helicopter
The Royal Canadian Navy’s CU179 Peregrine will undergo Halifax-class frigate trials in 2027 ahead of initial operational capability in 2028, while River-class destroyer integration arrangements remain undefined.
-
![Singapore confirms fully automated SIGMA SPH as new precision-strike system emerges]()
Singapore confirms fully automated SIGMA SPH as new precision-strike system emerges
Singapore has confirmed plans to introduce a fully automated howitzer alongside an emerging precision-strike capability whose weapon type and deployment status have not been disclosed.
-
![The US DoD’s counter-drone marketplace begins to produce results]()
The US DoD’s counter-drone marketplace begins to produce results
The Pentagon's push to accelerate counter-drone procurement is opening new opportunities for defence companies as it seeks to bring emerging technologies into operational service more quickly.
-
![Argentina’s submarine and frigate acquisitions resurface with $3.5bn funding plan]()
Argentina’s submarine and frigate acquisitions resurface with $3.5bn funding plan
Buenos Aires set out foreign loans worth $3.5 billion in its draft 2027 budget, opening a contest in which Naval Group and TKMS could lead the field.
-
![US Pentagon pushes procurement of dismounted counter-UAS capabilities]()
US Pentagon pushes procurement of dismounted counter-UAS capabilities
The US services are investing in lighter, autonomous and networked systems to protect mobile troops from drone threats.
