Navy Faces Delays in F/A-XX Fighter Program Due to Contractor Capacity Issues
The U.S. Navy is experiencing delays in its F/A-XX fighter program due to one of the two competing contractors being unable to meet the required delivery schedule. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle revealed this issue during the Navy League’s Sea Air Space convention. The Navy had previously postponed the contract award for the next-generation carrier-based fighter due to these concerns. Although Adm. Caudle did not specify which contractor is facing difficulties, both Boeing and Northrop Grumman have claimed they can meet the Navy's timeline. Lockheed Martin was previously eliminated from the competition. Despite these challenges, the Navy plans to proceed with awarding the contract in 2026, with a decision expected by the end of the summer. The F/A-XX fighters are intended to replace the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growlers on carrier decks starting in the mid to late 2030s. 
