Rüstung: Boeing erhält Milliardenauftrag für neuen Tarnkappen-Kampfjet

The US aircraft manufacturer Boeing has secured a $10 billion contract to build the new stealth fighter jet for the US Navy, the Pentagon announced on Tuesday. Pentagon chief procurement officer Michael Duffey described the program as "a critical, non-negotiable investment in America's national security" and said it is central to the US military strategy against China in the Pacific.

Boeing beat out competitor Northrop Grumman and initially received a $20 billion development contract for test aircraft, with the program potentially reaching hundreds of billions in value if production and international orders increase. This marks Boeing's second major success in fighter jets, following its March 2024 contract for the new sixth-generation F-47 for the US Air Force.

Boeing's experience in building carrier-based combat jets made it a strong contender. The stock rose 2.25% in after-hours trading, while Northrop Grumman shares fell 3.5%. The award comes after years of delays and disputes, as the Pentagon questioned whether the US defense industry had enough engineering capacity to develop two sixth-generation stealth fighters simultaneously.

Missouri lawmakers successfully lobbied to keep funding flowing, citing the potential to attract engineering and technology talent to the state. Republican Senator Eric Schmitt added that the production of F/A-XX and F-47 would create more opportunities for engineers and technology talent to come to Missouri. The first series of F/A-XX jets are expected in the 2030s and will fly alongside the Lockheed Martin F-35C.

The F/A-18 Super Hornet, the predecessor model, is expected to remain in service until the 2040s. Lockheed Martin withdrew from the competition in March 2025.