"Pentagon" Selects "Boeing" to Supply US Navy with Attack Fighters

The Pentagon clarified in a statement that the company will produce the F/A-XX fighter aircraft, also known as “attack fighters,” under the new contract as part of the Next Generation Air Dominance program.

This marks the second time the U.S. Department of Defense has selected Boeing to develop a sixth-generation weapons system during Trump’s second term, following its March 2025 win of a contract to develop a new stealth fighter.

Steve Parker, head of Defense, Space and Security at Boeing, said, “Developing two advanced fighters in parallel has always been part of our plan,” adding that the company is prepared and capable of “developing multiple fighter aircraft models simultaneously.”

For his part, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Michael Duffey stated that the F/A-XX program represents “a critical investment in U.S. national security and future air combat capabilities,” noting that the Pentagon is working with Boeing to field and operate these capabilities.

Boeing clarified that construction is ongoing at its “Secure Manufacturing” facility in St. Louis, which it described as the largest of its kind in the United States.

Boeing had been competing for the contract with Northrop Grumman.

Northrop Grumman said on Tuesday that it “offered the U.S. Navy, under the F/A-XX program, a sixth-generation fighter with high survivability in combat environments and advanced digital technologies,” adding that it looks forward to receiving more information regarding the selection decision.

Boeing shares rose 2.4% in after-hours trading, while Northrop Grumman shares fell 3.6%.