US Navy Delays F/A‑XX Carrier Fighter Selection, Demands Double Combat Radius

The U. S. Navy has not yet chosen a contractor for the F/A‑XX, its first clean‑sheet carrier fighter since the 1990s. As of September 3, 2026, the selection process has exceeded the deadline set by officials. The Navy’s key requirement for the new aircraft is a combat radius roughly twice that of the current F/A‑18E/F Super Hornet, while keeping the maximum take‑off weight below 85,000 lb (38,555 kg). This single design constraint—range and weight—has guided the program’s development and procurement decisions, outweighing other factors such as stealth or sensor fusion. The delay and stringent specifications underscore the Navy’s focus on extending operational reach without increasing aircraft size.