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Boeing F-15EX Eagle II
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Boeing and Northrop Grumman compete for Navy's F/A-XX fighter contract.
The delay affects future naval aviation plans.
Background
The U.S. Navy's F/A-XX program aims to develop a next-generation fighter. The Navy had expected to select a builder in August 2026, but no announcement came. Boeing and Northrop Grumman are the two main competitors.
How it unfolded
- Apr 2026Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle told reporters the F/A-XX builder would be selected in August.
- Aug 22, 2026Aviation Week reported the Navy was 'still hopeful an announcement will be made,' but noted it was 'out of the service's hands.'
- Sep 2, 2026A CNO spokesperson told Axios there was no additional information on the F/A-XX program or its timing.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- A CNO spokesperson said there is no additional information to provide on the F/A-XX program or its timing at this point.
- Analysts
- Aviation Week reported the Navy is still hopeful an announcement will be made, but it is out of the service's hands.