U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX 6th Generation Fighter Gets Funding Boost as It Enters Key Testing Phase

The United States Navy’s ambitious sixth-generation fighter project, known as the F/A-XX, has taken an important step forward. The advanced fighter jet program has officially moved into Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) and Live Fire Evaluations (LF&E), marking a new phase in its development journey. This shift brings the fighter closer to an eventual contract award, even as debates continue about its future within the Pentagon and Congress.

From Development to Operational Testing

Between December 2024 and April 2025, the F/A-XX transitioned from its long-running Developmental Test (DT) phase to a combination of Developmental Testing, Operational Testing, and Live Fire evaluations. These tests are being overseen by the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E), a critical office that ensures new military equipment performs as intended under realistic combat conditions.

Despite earlier rumors of possible cancellation or delays, U.S. Navy officials confirmed during an April 2025 House Armed Services Committee hearing that the program remains on track. It has now entered a source selection environment, with Northrop Grumman and Boeing as the final two contenders. Notably, Lockheed Martin, the company behind the F-35, was eliminated from the competition earlier this year after its proposal failed to meet program expectations.

What Will the F/A-XX Offer?

Designed to replace and complement existing Navy fighters like the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and F-35C, the F/A-XX promises significant improvements in range, survivability, and networked warfare capabilities. According to Rear Admiral Michael Donnelly, the new aircraft will offer a 25% increase in range compared to current tactical aircraft, a crucial upgrade for operations in the vast Pacific theater.

The F/A-XX will also be purpose-built to fly alongside unmanned combat drones, using a “man-on-the-loop” control concept. This means the pilot will oversee and guide autonomous aircraft, enhancing the Navy’s ability to conduct complex, multi-platform missions without relying entirely on human pilots.

Funding Boost Amid Pentagon Disagreements

As the program advanced into its new testing phase, Congress provided a notable funding boost. According to the latest defense budget figures, the F/A-XX program is receiving $750 million in new funding to speed up development. However, this increase hasn’t been universally welcomed. Reports indicate the Pentagon expressed reservations about the extra funding, reflecting broader debates within military leadership about balancing future modernization with immediate operational needs.

Despite this, many lawmakers remain firmly in favor of pushing the F/A-XX forward. Ken Calvert (R-CA), chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, voiced strong support during a May 2025 oversight hearing. He warned that any delay could leave the Navy dangerously vulnerable, particularly in a potential conflict with China.

“We need sixth-generation fighters. The U.S. Navy needs sixth-generation fighters. Hesitation now could leave us outmatched in a China fight,” Calvert emphasized.

Why It Matters

The F/A-XX is part of the Navy’s vision for a future carrier air wing capable of surviving and prevailing in contested, high-threat environments — especially in the Indo-Pacific region, where Chinese military power is rapidly expanding. A cancellation or delay would repeat the setback the Navy experienced with its Hypersonic Air Launched Offensive (HALO) missile program, which was recently shelved despite being considered critical for future operations.

While there’s still no final contract awarded, and Northrop Grumman and Boeing remain tight-lipped about the details, the program’s current momentum signals a serious effort to modernize U.S. naval aviation.

As the F/A-XX continues through Operational and Live Fire testing, its performance and reliability under realistic conditions will play a major role in determining whether it secures full production approval — and whether it becomes the cornerstone of the Navy’s next-generation airpower.