Pentagon Wants To Shift Funds From Navy F/A-XX To USAF F-47: Report

[rangerrebew]

Pentagon Wants To Shift Funds From Navy F/A-XX To USAF F-47: Report
Amid the uncertainty surrounding F/A-XX, the Navy continues to stress its need for the sixth-generation stealth fighter.
Thomas Newdick

Published Jun 5, 2025 1:06 PM EDT

 
The U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX sixth-generation combat jet program looks to have hit another setback, with the Pentagon reportedly prioritizing the Air Force’s F-47 stealth fighter, amid concerns about how to run the two efforts simultaneously. Already, the F/A-XX was in limbo, with a U.S. official telling TWZ last month that the future of the program was being reviewed. This came after reports that a contract award for the Navy’s new combat jet could be delayed by as much as three years. Navy officials, meanwhile, continue to stress the importance of the F/A-XX to their future plans.
 
The U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX sixth-generation fighter program looks to have hit another snag, with the Pentagon reportedly prioritizing the Air Force’s F-47 stealth fighter, amid concerns about how to run the two efforts simultaneously. Already, the F/A-XX was in limbo, with a U.S. official telling TWZ last month that the future of the program was still being reviewed. This came after reports that a contract award for the Navy’s new combat jet could be delayed by as much as three years. Navy officials, meanwhile, continue to stress the importance of the F/A-XX to their plans.

“There’s certainly a strong requirement for a sixth-gen fighter still,” Dr. Brett A. Seidle, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition (RD&A), said yesterday. “I know there’s a lot of discussion about [F/A-XX] right now, but the Navy position on that is there’s a requirement that’s necessary.”

Seidle was speaking at a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Seapower and Projection Forces. His comments came in response to questions from U.S. Rep. Joseph David Courtney, the Democrat representative for Connecticut’s 2nd congressional district. You can see that exchange in the video below, starting at the 35.25 mark:

https://www.twz.com/air/pentagon-wants-to-shift-funds-from-navy-f-a-xx-to-usaf-f-47-report

[Timber Rattler]

Just keep flying and building new upgraded F-18s, just like the F-15EX.  If it ain't broke don't fix it.

[GtHawk]

Just keep flying and building new upgraded F-18s, just like the F-15EX.  If it ain't broke don't fix it.

But, but F-18’s are cheaper and the F-47 is so new and shiny.

[BobfromWB]

But, but F-18’s are cheaper and the F-47 is so new and shiny.

The US Navy loves expensive toys, the other kind don't have bragging rights and are not new and shiny. Take the proposal to block buy Ford class carriers [ big targets ].

[Timber Rattler]

Drones are the future anyway.