F/A-XX Archives

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle met with World War II veterans, 100-year old Paul Robins and 99-year old Eddie Desmond, aboard the Battleship USS New Jersey Museum and Memorial in Philadelphia, Pa., Oct 12. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Joe J. Cardona Gonzalez).

Caudle: Navy plans to announce F/A-XX prime contractor in August

The F/A-XX program has been in limbo for about a year due to concerns over defense industrial base capacity.

Apr 20, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

Sailors signal for an aircraft to launch off the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Philippine Sea, June 16, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class August Clawson)

Navy’s F/A-XX next-gen fighter program would get nearly $1B in FY26 funding bill

Lawmakers also want the Navy to submit a report that includes an updated acquisition strategy and program schedule for F/A-XX.

Jan 20, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

Lt. Elliot Reed, right, assigned to Air Department aboard the world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), signals to a Carrier Air Wing 8 F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron 87, as it launches from the flight deck, July 14, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tajh Payne)

CNO nominee Adm. Caudle warns F/A-XX delays could jeopardize Navy’s air superiority

"Without a replacement for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and E/A-18G Growler, the Navy will be forced to retrofit 4th generation aircraft and increase procurement of 5th generation…

Jul 24, 2025 By Jon Harper

Pentagon budget goes ‘all in’ on Air Force’s F-47, putting Navy’s sixth-gen fighter on hold

The Defense Department has decided to delay funding for the Navy's F/A-XX program due to concerns over the industrial base's capacity to produce two major next-gen fighter…

Jun 27, 2025 By Mikayla Easley

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Launch/Recovery Equipment) 2nd Class Diangelo Watson, from Jonesboro, Georgia, assigned to air department’s aircraft launch and recovery division, signals for an aircraft to take off on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 9, 2024. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class August Clawson)

Despite proposed cuts, Navy requirements for F/A-XX next-gen fighter ‘still valid,’ Joint Chiefs chairman says

The future of the the Navy's sixth-gen fighter remains uncertain as lawmakers support robust funding for the program while the Trump administration tries to slash spending in…

Jun 12, 2025 By Jon Harper

Lt. David Bailey, from Millersville, Maryland, assigned to air department’s primary flight control and air damage control division, gives the signal for an aircraft to take off from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Pacific Ocean, Oct. 15, 2024. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class August Clawson)

Navy provides new details about sixth-gen F/A-XX fighter jet

Increased range will be a “core attribute” of the future fighter, Rear Adm. Michael “Buzz” Donnelly said.

Apr 7, 2025 By Jon Harper

Lockheed Martin rendering of a Next-Generation Air Dominance platform

Air Force, Navy should work more closely to develop 6th-gen fighter, senator says

“I think it helps if we can jointly build whatever the next system is. I think that would be a positive thing," said Sen. Mark Kelly.

Dec 9, 2024 By Mikayla Easley

Air Force, Navy collaborating on 4 ‘fundamentals’ of CCA drones

The services want their respective robotic wingmen to have common aircraft architecture, communications links, autonomy architecture and ground-control segments, Brig. Gen. Dale White told reporters.

Sep 13, 2023 By Mikayla Easley