Pentagon Committed To F/A-XX Eventually, Studying Industrial Base Concerns

SIMI VALLEY, California—The Pentagon's weapon buyer says there is a commitment to deliver a new fighter for the U.S. Navy, even as the source selection process for the F/A-XX remains stalled and the department continues to evaluate the industrial base capacity to build two new fighters—a concern both the contract competitors and the U.S. Congress have adamantly rejected.

The Navy has put off for several months a downselect between Boeing and Northrop Grumman to build the F/A-18 replacement, although several sources indicate that a decision is set, the requirements are valid and the only question remaining is timing.

During a panel discussion at the Reagan National Defense Forum here Dec. 6, Michael Duffey, undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, said the Pentagon will commit to the capability even though the prior budget request sought to delay the F/A-XX amid industrial base concerns.

“I do think there’s a commitment for us to deliver this capability,” Duffey said. “There’s an interest to make sure that we can, from our standpoint, [ensure] that the industrial base is able to support it, and I think we’ll be working through that question as quickly as we can.”

When asked specifically if Boeing or Northrop Grumman could handle the work, Duffey added, “I don’t have an opinion right now; that’s one of the things that we’re working through.”

Amid the delay, the Navy has awarded contracts to both competitors to keep their design teams working. This money is not simply to keep lights on, Duffey noted. “There’s a lot of work to be done.”

Adm. Darryl Caudle, chief of naval operations, made an emphatic statement of support for the fighter, one he says is necessary to protect carrier strike groups and conduct operations in the Pacific.

“Everything about that plane is better,” Caudle said on the panel.

The Pentagon needs to make decisions now to get the F/A-XX design “locked in and actually produce that because the threat curve is moving at that pace,” Caudle said.

“Does it need to be done at a cost-effective way? Does it need be done [in a way] that doesn’t clobber our other efforts? Does it need to be done so it actually delivers in the relevant time frame? Yes ... So hopefully some of this acquisition reform and production improvement can help us get those decisions.”

The industrial base concern was raised after Boeing received the award to build the Air Force’s F-47 in the spring. Boeing Defense and Space CEO Steve Parker said during the discussion that the F-47 was awarded when the design was mature, and the F/A-XX will benefit from the reduced risk. His company is set to move quickly if an award comes.

“The need is urgent; it is needed now,” Parker said. “The technology exists, and we’re ready to go deploy it, if we get a go.”

Northrop Grumman also reiterated its readiness. Tom Jones, Northrop corporate vice president and president of its aeronautics sector, told reporters during a Dec. 3 discussion that “we are ready to execute F/A-XX.”

Congress has resoundingly supported the program. It added funding in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and provided support in draft fiscal 2027 defense authorization and appropriations bills. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Va.), ranking member of the House Armed Services Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, said the aircraft is a critical element of the future carrier strike group.

“By any measure, we need it, and we want to make sure the decision is made quickly,” Wittman said. “In fact, I would argue Congress has made the decision. Congress has done the direction; Congress has done the authorization ... So there’s a clear demand signal coming from Congress to say F/A-XX is where we need to go. We need to execute that as quickly as possible.”