According to a US official and two people familiar with the decision, the Pentagon will choose this week, after months of deliberation, the defense firm to design and construct the Navy’s next stealth fighter. The project will cost several billions of dollars and be considered a key component of US counter-Chinese efforts.
Northrop Grumman Corp. and Boeing Co. are vying to be selected to manufacture the F/A-XX. The Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet, which has been in operation since the 1990s, will be replaced by the new carrier-based aircraft.
According to the US official and one of the people, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth decided on Friday to proceed with a pick.
