Pat Host
F/A-XX, the U.S. Navy’s proposed next generation strike fighter aircraft, would be a demonstration of how modular open systems approaches, or MOSAs, transform future air warfare, if fielded.
Legislation signed into law in FY 2021 requires DOD acquisition programs to implement a MOSA as much as possible. A MOSA is a strategy that can help the U.S. armed services design aircraft and other weapon systems that need less money and time to sustain and upgrade.
The F/A-XX program received a big boost when President Trump’s signature reconciliation legislation, signed into law on July 4, provided $750 million for the program, FlightGlobal reported. The effort also received another benefit when it was in the Navy’s unfunded priorities list that details funding the services did not include in their formal budget requests, according to Breaking Defense.
Learn more about MOSAs and emerging Navy technologies at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Navy Summit on August 26! Hear directly from high-ranking Navy officers about how they are implementing MOSAs into their current and future weapon systems. Discover how MOSAs are helping the service upgrade and sustain unmanned systems cheaper and faster at the Opportunities and Challenges in Delivering UXV to the Navy panel. Sign up today for this elite GovCon event and strike up better Navy partnerships in FY 2026!
What Is the Next Fighter Jet for the U.S.?
F/A-XX would replace the legacy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in the 2030s. The Navy expects the aircraft to have longer range and greater speed, have passive and active sensor capabilities and use longer-range weapons than capable on the Super Hornet. As F/A-XX would be the first Navy fighter fielded since the Super Hornet reached initial operational capability in the early 2000s, the platform would be the first Navy fighter to demonstrate MOSA principles.
The DOD service chiefs in late 2024 signed a memo directing their service acquisition executives to publish their own MOSA implementation guidance. The Navy MOSA Guidebook was published in February, providing engineers and acquisition professionals with a process for implementing a MOSA.
F/A-XX Contract Award
Navy Secretary John Phelan on June 11 cited reduced funding for the F/A-XX due to low confidence in the defense industry being able to develop a major program like a new fighter when it struggled to develop other programs in a timely fashion and on-budget, according to Aviation Week. But Steve Parker, Boeing defense, space and security CEO, said that the company, industrial base and engine developers “absolutely” could do it. Boeing won the U.S. Air Force’s F-47 next generation fighter jet program and is investing roughly $5 billion to build up its air dominance development, Defense One reported.
Though the Navy reduced its budget request for its next naval fighter, DOD’s top officer said the F/A-XX requirements are still legitimate. Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a recent House hearing that DOD, eying the Pacific, still needs a “mobile” capability that will allow it to win in future combat.
Which Lawmakers Support F/A-XX?
A key lawmaker is supportive of F/A-XX. Rep. Ken Calvert, House Appropriations defense subcommittee chairman, said in a recent hearing that the U.S. Navy needs sixth-generation fighters and disinclination from leadership could put it at a disadvantage in possible warfare against China, Defense Daily reported.The Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Navy Summit on August 26 will be the capital region’s premier GovCon event featuring leading Navy acquisition officials and industry experts! Be the first to learn about Navy FY 2026 budget priorities directly from NavalX Director Capt. Joel Uzarski. Network with other GovCon titans at fascinating panel discussions such as Emerging Technologies and Enterprise Services for Information Superiority. Strike up new relationships and rekindle legacy ones, all in a supportive environment. Save your spot now for this premier GovCon conference and create new business in FY 2026!
