Lockheed Martin excluded from US Navy’s 6th-gen fighter program

Lockheed Martin has reportedly been eliminated from the US Navy’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, which aims to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet. The exclusion marks a significant shift in the competition for the future of naval air power. According to Breaking Defense's report, Lockheed’s proposal did not meet the stringent requirements set by the US Navy, leading to its removal from consideration. The decision narrows the competition to Boeing and Northrop Grumman, both of which remain in contention for the contract.

Despite this setback, Lockheed Martin is still eligible to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet for the US Air Force under its own NGAD initiative. The company remains a crucial player in the defense sector, particularly as the primary manufacturer of the F-35 Lightning II.

The US Navy’s NGAD Program

The US Navy’s NGAD program is designed to develop a next-generation stealth combat aircraft, known as the F/A-XX, to ensure air superiority in future conflicts. The aircraft is expected to feature advanced range, endurance, and seamless integration with drones and carrier-based air defense systems.

John Phelan, the Trump administration’s nominee for Navy Secretary, stated that the sixth-generation fighter will enhance Carrier Strike Groups’ capabilities, allowing them to maintain air dominance. While specific details remain undisclosed, he suggested that the navy’s NGAD aircraft may share attributes with the US Air Force’s counterpart.

The F/A-XX is intended to replace the aging F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet and operate alongside the F-35 in naval aviation. Navy officials remain optimistic that a contract for the NGAD program will be awarded this year, even as the US Air Force has paused its own sixth-generation fighter development.

The overall cost and timeline of the program remain classified.