US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized the next phase of the F/A-XX advanced carrier-based fighter program, designed to replace the Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Reuters reported this, citing Pentagon sources.

The winner of the tender, which is being contested by Boeing and Northrop Grumman, is expected to be announced this week. The new aircraft, being developed under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, will feature increased range, improved stealth, and integration with unmanned systems, allowing it to effectively interact with drones on the battlefield.

The first F/A-XXs are planned to enter service in the 2030s, while the current Super Hornet fleet will remain in service until the 2040s. The program is aimed at strengthening the US Navy's air superiority, particularly in the face of potential conflicts in the Asia-Pacific region, where China is actively expanding its air power.