Northrop Grumman will not participate in the NGAD sixth-generation fighter development programme to replace the F-22 Raptor

The U.S. Air Force in the middle of next year plans to receive a sixth-generation fighter jet. As it became known, the role of the general contractor will not be claimed by Northrop Grumman.

Here's What We Know

The sixth-generation fighter will be a replacement for the F-22 Raptor. The development is taking place under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programme. Northrop Grumman will not bid for the role of prime contractor in the NGAD project, but is open to participating in the development of the sixth-generation fighter for the US Navy. For now, it is known as the F/A-XX.

The announcement was made by Kathy Warden, CEO of Northrop Grumman, during a call with investors. The announcement ended speculation that Northrop, Lockheed and Boeing would compete for the contract. The other two companies have not yet officially confirmed their participation in the NGAD project.

Northrop Grumman was thought to be one of the main favourites to win the project, being a pioneer in stealth development. It is this company that is developing the next-generation B-21 Raider nuclear bomber. It also built the B-2 Spirit. In addition, Northrop builds fuselages for the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter.

Source: Breaking Defence