Lockheed Martin has been excluded from the US Navy’s development efforts for a sixth-generation fighter jet under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, according to sources familiar with the initiative. Reportedly, the company’s proposal did not meet the stringent requirements set forth by the Navy. This decision represents a notable setback for Lockheed Martin, which has established itself as a pivotal manufacturer of advanced military aircraft, particularly with its fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters.
With Lockheed Martin out of the running, the competition for the Navy’s NGAD program is now narrowed to two prominent contenders: Boeing and Northrop Grumman. Despite this exclusion from the Navy’s initiative, Lockheed remains in consideration for developing a sixth-generation fighter jet for the US Air Force, which is part of a parallel effort within the NGAD framework.
The Navy’s NGAD program aims to create a next-generation stealth combat aircraft, designated the F/A-XX, which is anticipated to be vital for maintaining air superiority in future conflicts. The F/A-XX is expected to feature advanced capabilities, including enhanced range, extended endurance, and an improved ability to integrate with unmanned drones as well as carrier-based air defense systems.
John Phelan, nominated by the Trump administration to be the next Navy secretary, has publicly stated that the sixth-generation fighter would fortify Carrier Strike Groups, allowing them to exceed the capabilities of potential adversaries and maintain naval air dominance. While specifics of the aircraft’s design and features remain undisclosed, Phelan hinted that it would likely incorporate elements akin to the Air Force’s own NGAD fighter.
Once operational, the F/A-XX is slated to replace the aging fleet of F/A-18E/F Super Hornets currently in service, while also complementing the existing F-35 fighters. Numerous Navy officials have expressed optimism about issuing a contract for the NGAD program yet this year, although the US Air Force has recently put its own sixth-generation fighter initiative on hold. The specific details regarding the program’s budget and timeline remain classified, leaving much of the project’s future shrouded in uncertainty.
