Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman Competing to Replace F-18
This concerns the next-generation naval combat program, the F/A-XX
Ami Rojkes Dombe
| 31/08/2023
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin McTaggart
Three major US defense contractors are leading in the field of air defense and competing to build the aircraft for the next-generation naval combat program, F/A-XX. The three companies are Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. Two additional companies, Pratt & Whitney and GE Aerospace, are seeking to manufacture the engine for the aircraft. This, according to a recent Defense News publication.
In a statement to Aerospace DAILY, Tom Jones, President of Northrop's Aerospace Systems, said that the company continues its development work on the F/A-XX and that it is "well positioned" to execute advanced aircraft programs based on its B-21 bomber. Northrop also working on the F-35, components for the F/A-18, and the Navy's E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.
In Boeing's statement, the company highlighted its recent investments in its infrastructure, such as a series of new advanced manufacturing facilities at its St. Louis site, showcasing how it positions itself for future combat programs.
According to Aviation Week, last July the White House connected the F/A-XX program with a classified access program named Link Plumeria, with a budget of $11.5 billion for the years 2023-2027. This classified program is the fourth-largest research and development program within the Pentagon.
This concerns the next-generation naval combat program, the F/A-XX
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin McTaggart
Three major US defense contractors are leading in the field of air defense and competing to build the aircraft for the next-generation naval combat program, F/A-XX. The three companies are Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. Two additional companies, Pratt & Whitney and GE Aerospace, are seeking to manufacture the engine for the aircraft. This, according to a recent Defense News publication.
In a statement to Aerospace DAILY, Tom Jones, President of Northrop's Aerospace Systems, said that the company continues its development work on the F/A-XX and that it is "well positioned" to execute advanced aircraft programs based on its B-21 bomber. Northrop also working on the F-35, components for the F/A-18, and the Navy's E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.
In Boeing's statement, the company highlighted its recent investments in its infrastructure, such as a series of new advanced manufacturing facilities at its St. Louis site, showcasing how it positions itself for future combat programs.
According to Aviation Week, last July the White House connected the F/A-XX program with a classified access program named Link Plumeria, with a budget of $11.5 billion for the years 2023-2027. This classified program is the fourth-largest research and development program within the Pentagon.
