Boeing nabs $20B contract for Navy's futuristic fighter
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Boeing will build the U.S. Navy's next fighter aircraft, following years of clandestine competition and multiple contracting false alarms.
Why it matters: Boeing's win in the F/A-XX competition means the company's sixth-generation aircraft will succeed the Super Hornet fleet, long relied upon and recently employed across the Middle East.
- The company is also constructing the Air Force's F-47, previously unveiled in an Oval Office address featuring President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The latest: The Pentagon announced the deal Tuesday. It's worth more than $20 billion.
- It comes after months of squabbling between the White House, Pentagon, lawmakers and industry.
- Its ups and downs and rumored award timelines were closely watched by defense analysts and reporters.
Context: Boeing bested Northrop Grumman. Lockheed Martin was previously knocked out of the running.
- Executives from both companies had told Axios they were confident in their offerings.
State of play: Little has been revealed about the warplane's final design. But it will complement the F-35, of which there are short-takeoff and carrier variants.
What they're saying: Former Navy Secretary John Phelan in December told Axios that F/A-XX was, in fact, not dead. He previously told lawmakers the warplane would ensure naval air dominance.
- Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle advocated for the project during his nomination hearing, telling lawmakers the service "must have an air wing that is comprised of the most advanced strike fighters."
- And Caudle's predecessor, Lisa Franchetti, suggested it would sport "advanced sensors, advanced lethality, advanced range" and be able to "integrate with manned and unmanned capabilities."
More from Axios:
F/A-XX decision must be "made quickly," Navy chief says
Trump administration shelves Navy's F/A-XX, citing industry strain
