The US Navy presented critical information about its F/A-XX fighter jet replacement for F-35C at the Sea Air Space 2025 exhibition in Maryland. Rear Adm. Michael “Buzz” Donnelly from the air warfare division announced that the forthcoming sixth-generation stealth jet will surpass the F-35C Lightning II range by 25% to achieve a maximum unrefueled distance of 1,700 miles compared to 1,367 miles.
Donnelly identifies the enhanced operational reach of the F/A-XX as its essential feature because it provides extended combat capabilities and enhanced tactical options. The jet combines air-to-air refueling capabilities with advanced stealth features as well as survivability elements together with artificial intelligence to fulfill its mission during contested airspace operations between 2040 and beyond.
The Navy plans to select between Boeing and Northrop Grumman for the development contract during this week. Donnelly emphasized AI-driven operations are transforming aircraft coordination through a transition from “man-in-the-loop” to a “man-on-the-loop” methodology that enables interconnectivity with both MQ-25 Stingray and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).
The integration will expand the US Navy’s carrier air wing operational area from 8 million to over 11 million square miles while improving strike survivability and decreasing exposure to high-threat environments. The F/A-XX aircraft embodies a complete naval air transformation through its advanced networking abilities and extended operational reach to deal with projected security threats through coming decades.
