The U.S. Navy’s Next Generation Fighter program, commonly known as F/A-XX, is on the verge of significant budget reductions in the upcoming fiscal year. The Senate Armed Services Committee has proposed a drastic cut, providing nearly 90 percent less funding than what the Navy requested. This move follows a broader trend of uncertainty surrounding the development of next-generation stealth combat jets, echoing similar issues faced by the U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.
A recent draft of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the 2025 Fiscal Year, released by the Senate Armed Services Committee, earmarks only $53.828 million for the F/A-XX program. This is a stark contrast to the Navy’s request of $453.828 million for the same period. Aviation Week was among the first to highlight this significant proposed budget cut.
The Navy’s initial request of $453.828 million for Fiscal Year 2025 was already a considerable reduction from the $1.53 billion sought in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget proposal. This reduction was part of a strategic decision to prioritize other key areas. Under Secretary of the Navy Erik Raven explained that this was a deliberate choice to balance investments across readiness, personnel, and undersea programs.
Despite these adjustments, Navy officials have maintained their long-term commitment to the F/A-XX program. The latest budget request includes plans to seek nearly a billion dollars annually for the program from Fiscal Year 2026 through Fiscal Year 2029.
The F/A-XX program is a highly classified initiative that first emerged as a component of a Special Access Program (SAP) known as Link Plumeria. Details about the program are limited, but it is known that the program recently completed the Concept Refinement Phase and has entered the Design Maturation stage. Major defense contractors, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, are competing to design the aircraft, while General Electric and Pratt & Whitney are vying to provide the engines.
Northrop Grumman’s recent withdrawal from the Air Force’s NGAD competition as a prime contractor is seen as a move to focus on the F/A-XX program, among other opportunities. The F/A-XX is part of a broader ‘system of systems’ approach aimed at modernizing the Navy’s air combat capabilities. This includes developing advanced Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones in cooperation with the Air Force.
The Navy and Air Force are working to ensure seamless control transfer between their respective CCAs during future operations. One of the expected roles for the F/A-XX is to act as an airborne ‘quarterback’ for uncrewed aircraft, similar to the mission set for the Air Force’s NGAD combat jet.
The Senate’s draft NDAA is expected to undergo further revisions, particularly as it needs to be reconciled with a companion bill in the House of Representatives. The finalized bill must then pass through Congress and be signed into law by the President.
There is also potential for additional funding for the F/A-XX program from classified sources. However, the proposed significant budget cut by the Senate Armed Services Committee raises concerns about the program’s immediate future.
The Air Force is currently reevaluating its NGAD combat jet program, focusing on reducing costs. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall has indicated that the service is considering whether a less expensive platform design might be viable. The NGAD program aims to develop a sixth-generation stealth combat jet, with each jet expected to cost around $247.5 million, nearly three times the unit price of an F-35.
General Kenneth S. Wilsbach, head of Air Combat Command, recently expressed opposition to plans for retiring 32 F-22 Raptors, a fifth-generation stealth fighter, despite the Air Force’s previous stance that the NGAD jets would replace the F-22. The Government Accountability Office has also questioned the Air Force’s F-22 retirement plans, citing potential operational and financial challenges.
While General Wilsbach confirmed that the Air Force is moving forward with selecting a winning NGAD design later this year, the program’s future remains uncertain, reflecting broader concerns about both the Navy’s and the Air Force’s advanced combat jet initiatives.
In summary, the F/A-XX program, crucial to the Navy’s future air combat capabilities, faces significant financial hurdles due to proposed budget cuts. The outcome of these cuts and the evolving defense policy landscape will shape the trajectory of the U.S. military’s next-generation fighter jet programs.
APPENDIX 1 – The F/A-XX Program: An In-Depth Analysis
The F/A-XX program represents the United States Navy’s ambitious effort to develop a sixth-generation air superiority fighter intended to replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Emerging from the highly classified Special Access Program (SAP) known as Link Plumeria, the F/A-XX is integral to the Navy’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Family of Systems (FoS). This comprehensive analysis delves into the program’s history, technical details, current status, and future projections.
Origins and Development
The F/A-XX program’s roots trace back to June 2008 when the Navy first identified the requirement for a new strike fighter to replace the Super Hornet. Initial studies and the Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) were completed by June 2019, marking the beginning of the concept development phase. The Navy aimed to field a new platform by the 2030s that would complement the F-35C and eventually replace the F/A-18E/F and the EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft.
Link Plumeria and Budget Dynamics
Link Plumeria, the codename for the SAP underpinning the F/A-XX, has been shrouded in secrecy, with details emerging slowly over the years. This program element is one of the Department of Defense’s largest R&D initiatives, reflecting its critical importance to future naval aviation capabilities. The fiscal dynamics of Link Plumeria reveal a significant budget allocation, with $1.038 billion received in FY 2023, though FY 2024 saw a reduced request of $572 million. This reduction aligns with the Navy’s strategy to delay the F/A-XX development to prioritize current readiness over future modernization amid budget constraints imposed by the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
The F/A-XX is envisioned to incorporate a range of advanced technologies designed to ensure air superiority in contested environments. Key features include:
- Stealth and Survivability: The aircraft will leverage advanced stealth technologies to evade detection and enhance survivability against sophisticated air defense systems. Passive and active sensor technologies will play a crucial role in situational awareness and threat identification.
- Longer Range and Speed: Compared to the Super Hornet, the F/A-XX will possess greater range and speed, enabling it to engage targets at extended distances and improve operational reach.
- Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T): The F/A-XX will likely operate in conjunction with unmanned systems, including remote carriers for anti-air, electronic warfare, and command and control missions. This capability will enhance the flexibility and effectiveness of carrier strike groups.
- Advanced Weapons Systems: The fighter will be equipped with next-generation weapons, including longer-range missiles and advanced electronic warfare tools. Integration with the F-35C’s passive detection capabilities will enable effective use of the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) C1, Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER), and Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) II .
Current Status and Challenges
As of mid-2024, the F/A-XX program is in the design maturation phase, with key defense contractors such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman competing to provide the final design. Despite progress, the program faces significant challenges, primarily budget-related. The Navy’s FY 2025 budget proposal delays substantial funding for the F/A-XX to focus on immediate readiness needs. This decision has sparked debate, particularly among lawmakers concerned about the long-term implications for naval air superiority.
Future Projections
Looking ahead, the F/A-XX is expected to play a pivotal role in the Navy’s air wing composition by the 2030s. As the Super Hornets are retired, a combination of F-35C and F/A-XX fighters will provide the tactical capability necessary to maintain carrier strike group relevance in advanced threat environments. The program’s success will depend on continued investment in R&D, effective management of budgetary constraints, and leveraging technological advancements in digital engineering and advanced manufacturing.
The F/A-XX’s development also underscores a broader trend in military aviation towards integrating manned and unmanned systems, enhancing sensor capabilities, and extending operational reach. As the program evolves, it will likely set new standards for air combat and influence future air dominance strategies globally.
The F/A-XX program is a cornerstone of the U.S. Navy’s strategy to maintain air superiority in the coming decades. While budgetary challenges and the need for immediate readiness have impacted its timeline, the program remains a critical investment in future combat capabilities. By harnessing advanced technologies and integrating with other components of the NGAD Family of Systems, the F/A-XX will ensure that the Navy can effectively counter emerging threats and maintain a competitive edge in naval aviation.
This detailed examination highlights the complexity and significance of the F/A-XX program, offering insights into its development, challenges, and future prospects as a transformative element of the U.S. Navy’s air warfare strategy.
