Planemaker Sets Out to Build Two Sixth-Gen Fighter Jets at Once

Despite the planemaker’s public confidence, the Navy Secretary has expressed concern for Boeing’s ability to fulfill two sixth-generation fighter jet contracts at one time. This is on top of several other defense-related commitments, including presidential jets.

Boeing came out on top of the competition to build the US military’s sixth-generation fighter, dubbed the F-47, in March. It aims to replace the F-22 Raptor, with a projected top speed exceeding Mach 2, a combat radius of more than 1,000 nm, and advanced technological capabilities that adapt to real-time needs and allow collaboration with drones. The Air Force hopes to field upwards of 185 F-47s and begin operation by 2029.

The US Navy is also looking for a new fighter, the F/A-XX, to serve as a replacement for F/A-18E/F and EA/18G fleets in the 2030s. However, initial 2026 budget documents show that funding for the program was cut, with Navy Secretary John Phelan citing concerns about throwing another project onto an industry with an already overloaded plate. As true as this may be, the service remains desperately in need of a new fighter.

Despite the F-47 commitment, Boeing is confident that, if it won the F/A-XX contract, it would have the capacity to handle two sixth-gen fighter builds at once.

“Absolutely we can do it, and so can the industrial base, and so can the engine manufacturers. So I don't see that as being an issue,” stated Boeing Defense and Space CEO Steve Parker at the Paris Air Show.

Parker confirmed that Boeing is allocating nearly $5 billion to expand its air dominance facilities enough to accommodate both the F-46 and F/A-XX.

“From day one, a capital investment was for both programs. We've done the same with our technology. We've done the same with our staffing. I can't get too many staffing numbers, but we have a very large number of folks working on both programs,” Parker noted.

Fighters aren’t Boeing’s only military program. The planemaker is nearing the end of the design phase for two new VC-25 presidential jets, which are already far behind schedule but may see a shift forward if regulatory hurdles are cleared.

FMI: www.boeing.com