The US Navy is expected to announce this week who will be awarded the “golden contract” to develop its next-generation stealth fighter under the F/A-XX programme.

The F/A-XX is intended to replace the US Navy’s fleet of F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

The primary competitors for the multi-billion-dollar contract are Northrop Grumman and Boeing.

Boeing has already secured the contract for the US Air Force’s six-generation stealth fighter, the F-47, as Donald Trump announced last week. 

However, Northrop Grumman also has a strong track record of producing innovative aircraft, including the B-2 and B-21 stealth bombers.

Lockheed Martin, although initially considered a strong contender, failed to meet the US Navy’s specific requirements, including the need for a more advanced radar system and improved aircraft carrier landing capabilities. 

According to sources, Lockheed was excluded from the tender in early March.

The first production aircraft are expected to enter service in the 2030s, while the F/A-18s are anticipated to remain in service until the 2040s.

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