US Navy requests $1.528bn to develop secret sixth-generation F/A-XX fighter jet to replace F/A-18E Super Hornet

The U.S. Navy is requesting $26.9 billion for development and research in 2024. 5% of this amount, if approved, will be used to develop the secretive F/A-XX fighter programme.

Here's What We Know

The US Navy wants $1.528bn to develop a sixth-generation deck fighter. The aircraft is almost entirely classified. Moreover, this is the first time the US Navy has openly requested funding for the programme.

The F/A-XX will be a replacement for the fourth-generation F/A-18E Super Hornet fighters. The aircraft will be able to carry munitions and will be equipped with electronic warfare capabilities. In addition, the sixth-generation fighter will be able to act as a communications relay hub.

The Navy is cooperating with the Air Force, and it is expected that the F/A-XX will be able to operate in conjunction with unmanned aerial vehicles, now called Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The day before, we wrote that the CCA program could receive around $500 million in funding in fiscal year 2024.

Source: The Drive