A key moment is approaching in the development of the sixth generation fighter for the United States Navy. This Monday, Daryl Caudleadmiral and chief of Naval Operationsconfirmed that the Navy will choose in August between the proposals of Northrop Grumman and Boeing. That same day, Northrop released a concept video on X with the clearest view yet of its candidate for F/A-XX.
The F/A-XX program foresees a sixth generation fighter to replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and complement the F-35C Lightning II. Navy requirements include a combat radius close to 1,600 kilometersapproximately a 25% superior to that of the current fleet fighters, while maintaining compatibility with the catapults and the landing system of current aircraft carriers. The aircraft is part of the broader family of systems Next Generation Air Dominancewhich encompasses manned fighters, unmanned support platforms and advanced collaborative capabilities.
We’re bringing tomorrow’s horizon into focus, faster, stronger and ready when the warfighter needs it.#SAS2026pic.twitter.com/r0uORyR5kM
— Northrop Grumman (@northropgrumman) April 20, 2026
Northrop Grumman’s short video shows a stylized, computer-generated rendering of a tailless heavy fighter. The frontal and panoramic planes reveal a wide nose, a large cabin and air inlets located in the upper rear area of the fuselage, designed to reduce the radar signature and improve efficiency.
There is some curvature in the wings and they also seem capable of folding for on-board operations. Curved hatches suggest at least two internal weapons bays.
According to the defense media The War Zone, the proportions of the device indicate that it is sized to fit the deck limitations of a supercarrier and carry a significant load of weapons. Northrop Grumman could reveal more details at expo Sea-Air-Spacewhich is being held this week in Washington.
The defense company assures in the publication that ‘we are focusing on the horizon of tomorrow, faster, stronger and ready when the combatant needs it.’ Northrop Grumman has not disclosed further technical data and has indicated that Some elements seen in the video could have been altered for security reasonsso it is not necessarily a completely faithful recreation of the design.
The decision that the US Navy will make this summer will determine which company will move on to the final design phase and, subsequently, production of the new fighter. The final program is expected to mark naval aviation for decades.
The video is the latest information revealed about a program about which very few details are known. Both candidates have shown, so far, only a few images of their proposals. With the decision just a few months away, the choice of the Navy It will depend on which design best balances stealth, range, payload and suitability to operate from aircraft carriers in war scenarios..