Pentagon: Boeing will produce US Navy's next-generation stealth fighter planes
Boeing was also selected in March last year to build the Air Force's new stealthy F-47 fighter, giving it two marquee sixth-generation jet contracts in consecutive years.
On Tuesday, the Pentagon announced that Boeing will produce the US Navy's next-generation stealth fighter, marking Boeing's second major win in fighter jets within a short period. This contract, valued at $20 billion, is for the development of test aircraft and has the potential to grow into a $hundreds of billions program over time, as production scales up and international customers place orders.
Boeing beat out Northrop Grumman Corp for this development contract, reflecting the company's long history of building carrier-based fighters for the Navy, including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which the new fighter is designed to replace. The program, currently designated as the F/A-XX, will be the centerpiece of the Navy's Next Generation Air Dominance systems.
Michael Duffey, the Pentagon's chief weapons buyer, emphasized that the F/A-XX represents a critical investment in America's national security and long-term air combat capabilities. Despite recent delays and funding disputes, the contract was secured after Missouri's representatives successfully pushed to continue funding the program.
Boeing shares rose 2.25% in extended trading following the announcement, while Northrop shares dropped 3.5%.
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