The Pentagon is preparing to select a manufacturer for a new fighter jet for the US Navy

The U.S. Department of War plans to soon select a company to develop a new F/A-XX carrier-based fighter jet for the U.S. Navy, two people familiar with the process and a government official told Reuters.

Boeing and Northrop Grumman are participating in the competition. The new aircraft is to replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which has been in service since the 1990s. The first production F/A-XXs are expected to enter service in the 2030s, with the Super Hornet remaining in service until the 2040s.

The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a multi-role carrier-based fighter aircraft of the United States Navy, developed by Boeing as an upgraded version of the F/A-18 Hornet. It is larger and heavier than its predecessor, and has increased range and combat load due to larger wings, additional internal fuel tanks, and improved avionics.

The aircraft is produced in two main versions: the F/A-18E (single-seat) and the F/A-18F (two-seat). The Super Hornet performs a full range of missions, including air combat, escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, and reconnaissance.

It is reported that the F/A-XX should receive improved specifications: the latest stealth technologies, improved flight range, increased battery life, integration with unmanned combat aircraft and air defense systems of the US Navy.

It is alleged that US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth approved the start of the selection on October 3. Sources report that the US Navy may announce the winner of this competition as early as this week, but it is noted that the project has previously faced delays in the start of construction and new difficulties with this cannot be ruled out.

The number of planned aircraft and the cost of the contract remain classified, but the scale of the program could be comparable to the F-35, which cost tens of billions of US dollars.