The U.S. Navy has submitted a $1.4 billion request to Congress to salvage its next-generation F/A-XX fighter program, despite the Pentagon’s earlier decision to effectively shelve it in favor of the Air Force’s F-47. The funding appears in the Navy’s annual Unfunded Priorities List (UPL), which outlines desired but unbudgeted defense projects.

The F/A-XX, envisioned as the centerpiece of the Navy’s future carrier air wings, was previously reduced to a minimal $74 million allocation—enough only to continue design work. This pivot followed the Pentagon’s assessment that the U.S. defense industrial base lacked the capacity to fully develop both the F/A-XX and the Air Force’s F-47 simultaneously.

Congress Could Override Pentagon Priorities

“The Navy’s 6th Generation Strike Fighter aircraft is a critical component of both the future Carrier Strike Group and the Air Wing of the Future,” the UPL document stated. Navy officials argue the F/A-XX is vital for long-range, stealth, and multi-domain operations in contested environments.

Although President Trump backed the F-47 with $3.5 billion in March 2025, Navy officials—including acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. James Kilby—have continued to press for a manned next-gen carrier-based fighter. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan testified that while confidence in industry remains a concern, “sixth-gen is important.”

Industry and Political Friction

Boeing is the prime contractor for the F-47 and has also competed for the F/A-XX contract alongside Northrop Grumman. Lockheed Martin was reportedly eliminated from the F/A-XX competition earlier this year.

Boeing Defense CEO Steve Parker challenged the notion that the industrial base couldn’t support both programs, suggesting the Pentagon’s prioritization is based more on politics than capability.

While not binding, UPLs like this often influence congressional defense funding. Legislators may ultimately boost F/A-XX funding in the 2026 budget—reflecting a broader strategic debate over how to divide airpower investment between land-based and carrier-based forces.