Navy Accelerates 6th-Gen Fighter Plans as Air Force Reconsiders NGAD

2 months ago Editor

The U.S. Navy is moving forward with its sixth-generation fighter program, F/A-XX, as the Air Force hits pause on its own NGAD initiative due to cost concerns. The Navy aims to finalize its selection soon, keeping advanced capabilities and range at the forefront of its plans.

As the U.S. Air Force takes a step back to reassess its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, the U.S. Navy is charging ahead with plans for its sixth-generation fighter jet, known as the F/A-XX. The Navy aims to secure a contract soon and has set its sights on deploying this advanced, carrier-based fighter in the 2030s.

Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Lisa Franchetti, emphasized the platform’s importance, highlighting its expected capabilities: advanced sensors, lethality, extended range, and seamless integration with both manned and unmanned systems. “We aim to leverage what we’ve learned from the Air Force to enhance our requirements,” Franchetti stated during a recent Defense Writers Group briefing.

The competition to develop the F/A-XX includes industry giants Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, with the Navy currently in the source selection phase. This new aircraft is intended to replace the F/A-18 Super Hornet and E/A-18 Growler, enhancing the fleet’s range and electronic warfare capabilities beyond what the current F-35C offers.

Despite its commitment, the Navy faces budget hurdles. Earlier this year, it deferred about $1 billion in F/A-XX funding to address immediate readiness needs. Although Congress may impose further cuts, Franchetti reaffirmed that advancing this new fighter remains a top priority.

Meanwhile, the Air Force’s decision to pause the NGAD program hinges on concerns about cost and range limitations. Officials have indicated a preference for a less expensive platform, potentially opting for a single-engine design to keep costs closer to the F-35’s price range of $80-100 million per unit, significantly lower than the projected $200-300 million per aircraft for NGAD.

Adm. Franchetti pointed out that while inter-service collaboration is crucial, the Air Force’s pause on NGAD would not halt the Navy’s momentum on F/A-XX. Both branches are aiming to create platforms that can work alongside uncrewed aircraft, leveraging each other’s developments where possible.

With NGAD initially conceived as a replacement for the F-22 Raptor and F/A-XX positioned to bolster the Navy’s strike capabilities, both services are focused on maintaining air superiority through innovative and complementary technologies.