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Boeing Wins Air Force Contract, Competes for Navy Fighter Program Victory

Defence Technology

Boeing Secures Air Force Contract, Eyes Navy Fighter Program

Business Honor
26 March, 2025

Boeing aims for back-to-back fighter contracts, competing against Northrop for Navy selection.

In the competition with Lockheed Martin to develop the Air Force's next-generation jet fighter, Boeing emerged victorious. Now that the Navy has to make a selection, Boeing is aiming for two straight.

The Navy is anticipated to make its selection for a sixth-generation fighter this week, according to Reuters. According to that timetable, the decision was made roughly a week after President Donald Trump said that Boeing would provide the F-47 jet fighter for the Air Force.

The new aircraft will be sixth-generation fighters. Fifth-generation fighters, as defined by the technology and capabilities of particular aircraft, include the F-35 and F-22. Both China and Russia have fifth-generation fighters, and China has shown off what appears to be a sixth-generation aircraft prototype.

Better armaments, software, mobility, and stealth technology are all features of more sophisticated jets. They cost a lot, too. The procurement of the F-35 can cost over $100 million, and throughout the course of its multi-decade service life, maintenance and operations can cost an additional $500 million to $700 million.

According to Wall Street, Lockheed has not submitted a bid for the Navy contract. Northrop Grumman and Boeing are rivals. The concerns about the Air Force's decision have been voiced by Northrop investors. While Northrop's shares initially dropped when the Boeing victory was announced on Friday, they later rose to end the day being higher.

In a recent study, Safran said the results fell short of their expectations. He was expecting that Lockheed would win the Air Force contract and Boeing would win the Navy deal. Northrop was likely to win the Navy contract, he said, adding that although it was possible, it didn't appear realistic that the Pentagon would give Boeing two fighter programs.