Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman Advance Sixth-Gen Fighter Concepts for USAF, Navy

Lockheed Martin is advancing plans to upgrade its F-35 fighter into a "fifth-generation plus" platform, with designs ranging from a near-term F-35EX featuring a stretched fuselage and canards to a long-term tailless F-35GX aimed at maximizing stealth and maneuverability. These enhancements aim to provide up to 80% of sixth-generation fighter capabilities at roughly half the cost of new aircraft like Boeing's F-47 NGAD, offering a cost-effective alternative for the U.S. Air Force and allies. Meanwhile, Northrop Grumman has unveiled concept art for its F/A-XX, the Navy's envisioned sixth-generation carrier-based fighter, which shows a stealth-optimized design reminiscent of the YF-23 and highlights features such as a single-pilot cockpit, large radar aperture, and significant internal volume. The future of the F/A-XX program remains uncertain as the Trump administration weighs whether to proceed; the Navy's FY 2026 budget proposal includes $74 million to continue design efforts if approved. Northrop Grumman and Boeing remain the sole competitors for the Navy's NGAD program after Lockheed Martin was reportedly eliminated in 2024. Together, these developments illustrate a competitive and evolving landscape for next-generation U.S. military aviation, balancing innovation, cost, and strategic priorities under the current administration.