F/A-XX: The next generation of US Navy fighter jets — characteristics and prospects

 

The next-generation F/A-XX fighter being developed by the US Navy is attracting the attention of military experts around the world. Recently, some of the characteristics of this promising aircraft were revealed, including its flight range, which turned out to be 25% longer than existing Navy fighters. However, this figure is lower than many expected, given that expanding the range of an aircraft carrier strike group is a key Navy priority.

Flight range increased by 25%

During the Sea-Air-Space 2025 exhibition, Rear Admiral Michael Donnelly, Deputy Chief of Staff of the US Navy for Aviation, said that the estimated range of the F/A-XX is 25% longer than that of tactical fighters in service with the aircraft carrier wing. Based on the range of the F-35C, which is about 670 nautical miles (1,241 km), the maximum range of the F/A-XX can reach 837.5 nautical miles (1,551 km). Although this increase seems moderate, Donnelly emphasized that the F/A-XX will use developing organic aerial refueling capabilities, in particular, the MQ-25 Stingray based on the aircraft carrier.

Fighter concept

The F/A-XX is being developed with the ability to penetrate high-threat zones to counter anticipated threats in the 2040s, including improved enemy reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat capabilities. In addition, the F/A-XX will integrate artificial intelligence and other technological advantages to provide more efficient battlefield management and integration with unmanned systems.

Factors influencing the development

This announcement may come as a surprise, given that the U.S. Navy has always emphasized that expanding the range of the carrier strike group is a key priority. In the face of growing threats from China, expanding the range of an aircraft carrier strike group is considered key to ensuring future security. However, an increase in the range of the F/A-XX by only 25% means that its range may not meet the Navy's expectations.

The future of F/A-XX

Despite the modest range increase, other performance improvements to the F/A-XX, such as its stealth capability, artificial intelligence integration, and integration with unmanned systems, make it an important element of future naval forces. With the commissioning of the MQ-25 Stingray, the range of the F/A-XX can be extended. In addition, the F/A-XX is being developed with compatibility in mind with future weapons systems, which will allow it to maintain combat superiority over the next decades.