White House warns F/A-XX award could delay key F-47 fighter programme

By Defence Industry Europe

The White House has cautioned that advancing the U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX programme could hinder progress on the U.S. Air Force’s F-47 fighter, which it describes as a higher priority. Despite industry claims of sufficient capacity to support both efforts, the administration argues that pursuing them simultaneously would strain the defence industrial base.

 

In a policy statement released on 15 July during congressional budget deliberations, the Trump administration expressed strong support for reassessing the F/A-XX timeline. It stated the fiscal 2026 defence plan aims to go “all-in” on the F-47, allocating only $74 million to the F/A-XX to complete design work and preserve it as a future option.

“Awarding the F/A-XX contract as written is likely to delay the higher-priority F-47 program, with low likelihood of improving the timeline to field a Navy sixth-generation fighter,” the White House said. “The administration looks forward to working with Congress to identify an optimal path forward.”

 

 

These concerns echo earlier comments from Navy Secretary John Phelan, who in June called for a pause on the F/A-XX pending an assessment of industry’s production capabilities. The administration’s stance has sparked debate as lawmakers consider increasing funding to accelerate the Navy programme.

Industry leaders have challenged the administration’s position, insisting they are equipped to deliver both aircraft. “So yeah, absolutely, we can do it,” said Boeing Defense and Space CEO Steve Parker on 16 June. “So can the industrial base, and so can the engine manufacturers. So, I don’t see that as being an issue.”

 

 

Boeing, which has secured the F-47 contract, is competing against Northrop Grumman as a finalist for the F/A-XX. The outcome of the ongoing budget discussions will likely shape the future of both sixth-generation fighter programmes.

 

Source: Aviation Week.

 

 

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