The U.S. Navy is about to announce the manufacturer of its next-generation carrier aircraft...?
On the 7th, American media once again created a "talked for a long time but it's just this?" big news.
In short, on that day, multiple American media outlets reported that the U.S. "warlord" Hegseth had approved the U.S. Navy's next-generation carrier aircraft, but readers who came in with a "watching the show" mindset found out upon clicking that the real content was that the U.S. Navy is about to confirm the manufacturer of the next-generation carrier aircraft (F/A-XX), which has nothing to do with announcing the prototype design.
According to the "The War Zone" website, the bidding range for the F/A-XX has been narrowed down to Northrop Grumman and Boeing, as Lockheed Martin had already voluntarily withdrawn in March.
The aircraft is planned to be mass-produced in the early 2030s, with a range 25% greater than the F-35C, using more advanced stealth technology, and deeply integrating artificial intelligence (AI) to support the "human-in-the-loop" combat mode, enabling it to operate in coordination with unmanned wingmen (CCA) and the MQ-25 "Stingray" unmanned refueling aircraft.
It should be said that the U.S. Navy's idea is very idealistic, but whether it can ultimately come true is another matter.
The F/A-XX received only a $74 million "maintenance" allocation in the 2026 fiscal year budget, and the project bidding was already approaching its end, but due to disputes among the military, Congress, and manufacturers on the pace of project advancement, the announcement of the bidding result was delayed by several months.
Additionally, regarding the two potential manufacturers at present, whether Northrop Grumman and Boeing have the capability to develop and manufacture carrier aircraft remains an issue: Northrop Grumman's previous carrier fighter was the F-14 "Tomcat," and in recent years, the company's major focus has shifted to bombers and drones;
Boeing, on the other hand, needs no further explanation; the "Super Hornet" was initiated and primarily developed by McDonnell Douglas, with the first prototype also manufactured by McDonnell Douglas, while Boeing only took charge of mass production.
Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1845410142479372/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.