Boeing has landed one of the most important US defense contracts in years after the Navy selected the aerospace giant to develop its next-generation F/A-XX fighter jet.
The Pentagon awarded Boeing a contract valued at roughly $20 billion for full-scale development of the carrier-based fighter, beating rival Northrop Grumman. Lockheed Martin had already been eliminated from the competition in 2025.
Press release from the US Department of War
Boeing adds another sixth-generation fighter win
The F/A-XX is being developed to eventually replace the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet and become a central part of future carrier air wings.
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
Details surrounding the aircraft are still limited, but the fighter is expected to incorporate advanced stealth, longer range and improved networking while operating alongside unmanned aircraft like Collaborative Combat Aircraft. The Navy plans to begin fielding the platform in the 2030s and operate it alongside the F-35C into the 2040s.
Boeing’s victory is important because it is its second major sixth-generation fighter win. In March 2025, the US Air Force selected Boeing to develop its F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter. This program is focused on improving range, survivability, lethality and adaptability.
Together, the F-47 and F/A-XX awards could give Boeing a major role in US fighter production for decades.
The Navy contract is also expected to support Boeing’s military aircraft operations around St. Louis as production of some older programs winds down.
Boeing stock gets a badly needed boost
Investors responded positively to the Navy decision. Boeing shares closed at $187.68 on Sept. 29 after gaining about 1.8% during regular trading, before climbing more than 2% after the F/A-XX award was announced.
That rebound came at an important moment. Boeing shares plunged by more than 6% just one day earlier after the Federal Aviation Administration delayed certification of the 737 MAX 10 because of a software issue.
Zooming out, Boeing stock is down roughly 14% in 2026 and around 13.5% compared with its Sept. 29, 2025 close of $217.08.
The F/A-XX award therefore does more than provide Boeing with another major contract. It strengthens a defense business that could become very important to the company’s long-term recovery while its commercial aircraft division works through production, certification and execution challenges.
