Lockheed Martin, one of the largest players in the defense industry, has officially dropped out of the competition to participate in the U.S. Navy's sixth-generation fighter development program, known as Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) or F/A-XX. This decision highlights the high demands placed on program participants, as well as the complexity of creating next-generation technologies.
Why did Lockheed Martin leave the race?
According to military sources, Lockheed Martin submitted its proposal to participate in the NGAD/F/A-XX program, but it did not meet the criteria set by the Navy. Although the details of the failure remain closed, it can be assumed that the company's project did not meet the strategic priorities of the service or the technical requirements, which are becoming increasingly stringent given the rapid development of technology in this area.
Earlier in November, Navy officials told Breaking Defense that they were continuing to evaluate offers from other companies, but did not specify when Lockheed Martin left the race. Now it becomes clear that the company is no longer a participant in the tender.
What is the NGAD/F/A-XX program?
The Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program is part of the Pentagon's massive efforts to develop next-generation aircraft systems capable of countering current and future threats. The sixth-generation fighter should combine advanced technologies, including ultra-high maneuverability, artificial intelligence, network-centric capabilities and the ability to operate in both manned and unmanned mode.
The F/A-XX is a specific version of the NGAD program adapted for the needs of the US Navy. This aircraft is supposed to replace the aging F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Boeing EA-18G Growler fighters, ensuring air superiority over any potential opponents.
The impact of Lockheed Martin's exit on the program
Lockheed Martin's participation in such projects is always of particular interest, as the company has extensive experience in developing advanced aviation systems, including the famous fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter. Withdrawal from the program can be perceived as a serious signal to the industry, indicating that the current requirements of the Navy pose difficult challenges for manufacturers.
However, experts believe that this does not mean Lockheed Martin will completely abandon work on sixth-generation technologies. The company may focus on other aspects of the NGAD program, such as developing autonomous companion drones or integrating new weapons systems.
The future of the NGAD/F/A-XX program
At the moment, the main contenders for participation in the program are Boeing and Northrop Grumman, both of which already have successful experience in cooperation with the US Navy. Boeing, in particular, is the manufacturer of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and Northrop Grumman is known for its achievements in developing stealth technologies such as the B-2 Spirit and B-21 Raider.
It is expected that the final decision on the winner will be made in the coming years, after detailed prototype testing. The new fighter is planned to be launched in series by the 2030s to guarantee the air superiority of the US Navy for decades to come.
Lockheed Martin's withdrawal from the NGAD/F/A-XX program demonstrates how difficult and competitive the race to create sixth-generation fighters is. The program requires not only innovative technologies, but also a clear understanding of the customer's needs. Despite this, the company will probably continue to work on related projects related to the development of aviation technologies of the future. For the US Navy, this step only reinforces the need for careful selection of a partner who can make the ambitious plans of the NGAD/F/A-XX program a reality.
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