US Navy Excludes Lockheed Martin from F/A-XX Fighter Competition

The U.S. Navy has officially excluded Lockheed Martin Corp. from the competition to develop its next-generation stealth fighter, the F/A-XX, as part of a strategic initiative to enhance military capabilities in response to China's growing military assertiveness. This decision narrows the field to bids from Boeing Co and Northrop Grumman Corp, who will now compete to replace the aging F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet. Lockheed Martin's bid reportedly did not meet the Navy's criteria, although the specifics have not been disclosed. The timing of the announcement is linked to the pending confirmation of a new Secretary of the Navy, while the Pentagon continues to evaluate the designs of the remaining competitors. Concurrently, the U.S. Air Force is reassessing its own sixth-generation fighter program due to cost concerns. This competitive shift marks a significant moment in U.S. defense strategy, aiming to bolster military readiness against potential threats from China.