White House: Awarding F/A-XX Would Slow F-47

Forcing the U.S. Navy to move forward on the F/A-XX program would slow the higher-priority U.S. Air Force F-47 program, despite claims from industry that the capacity does exist for the two fighters, the Trump administration argues.

The White House on July 15 released a statement of administrative policy amid congressional sessions to finalize the fiscal 2026 budget. Multiple markups have called for increased spending on the F/A-XX to accelerate the program.

The administration says it “strongly supports reevaluating the F/A-XX program due to industrial base concerns of two sixth-generation programs occurring simultaneously.” In rolling out the budget request last month, a defense official said the fiscal 2026 plan reflects the goal to go “all-in” on the F-47. The request includes just $74 million for the F/A-XX to complete designs and keep the program as an option in the future.

“Awarding the F/A-XX contract as written is likely to delay the higher-priority F-47 program, with low likelihood of improving the timeline to field a Navy sixth-generation fighter,” the White House argues. “The administration looks forward to working with Congress to identify an optimal path forward.”

The statement reflects prior concerns raised by Navy Secretary John Phelan, who said in June that the pause is pending a review of industry’s capacity to produce the two programs.

Industry leaders were quick to rebut the claims. Boeing Defense and Space CEO Steve Parker said June 16 that his company’s strategy is to win and execute both programs. Boeing won the F-47 and is a finalist, along with Northrop Grumman, for the F/A-XX.

“So yeah, absolutely, we can do it,” Parker said. “So can the industrial base, and so can the engine manufacturers. So, I don’t see that as being an issue.”