US Navy Awards Boeing More Than US$20 Billion Contract for Next-Generation Fighter Jet

WASHINGTON: The United States (US) Navy has awarded Boeing a contract worth more than US$20 billion for the full-scale development of the sixth-generation F/A-XX fighter aircraft, the Pentagon said on Tuesday, Anadolu Agency reported.

The contract, awarded under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programme, includes several test aircraft that will be used for ground testing, flight qualification assessments, systems testing and weapons integration.

US Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael P. Duffey described the F/A-XX as a key element in the US military’s efforts to maintain air superiority and enhance its ability to operate in contested environments.

“The F/A-XX is a critical pillar in our commitment to maintaining peace through strength.

“The F/A-XX will dominate the skies, extend operational reach and provide our service members with a decisive combat advantage,” Duffey said.

He said the programme represented a major investment in the future of US air combat capabilities, adding that the Department of Defense would work with Boeing to accelerate the development and deployment of fully interconnected systems.

The F/A-XX is designed to operate from aircraft carriers to extend the US Navy’s operational reach.

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