The Pentagon is set to announce the winner of a multibillion-dollar contract to design and build the U.S. Navy’s next-generation stealth fighter, the F/A-XX, which aims to replace the aging F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet. This decision comes after significant delays attributed to funding disputes and concerns over engineering capacity among key defense contractors Boeing and Northrop Grumman. As China continues to advance its military aviation capabilities, securing the F/A-XX program is critical for maintaining U.S. naval power and ensuring the Navy’s ability to operate effectively into the 2030s and beyond. The announcement is seen as a pivotal step in reinforcing U.S. defense capabilities amid growing geopolitical tensions.