Congressional Funding Dynamics for F/A-XX and F-47 Programs
Recent deliberations in Congress reflect a split commitment to advanced fighter programs, with considerable backing for the Air Force’s F-47 while significantly reducing funding for the Navy’s F/A-XX initiative.
Allocation Overview in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)
The latest iteration of the 2026 NDAA features an allocation of approximately $2.6 billion for the Air Force’s F-47, contrasting sharply with the mere $74 million designated for the Navy’s upcoming sixth-generation fighter. This allocation pattern suggests an alignment between the White House and Pentagon priorities, sidelining legislative advocates who sought to advance the long-awaited successor to the F/A-18 Super Hornet and its electronic warfare variant this fiscal year.
“Our strategic assessment led us to commit fully to the F-47, as we believe our industrial base is currently unable to progress with two concurrent programs. We maintain the potential for the F/A-XX at a later stage,” stated a U.S. defense official during the June budget announcement.
Minimal Funding and Its Implications
Notably, the F/A-XX will receive less than 1% of the $38 billion earmarked in the NDAA for the development, procurement, and enhancement of military aircraft. The House majority’s summary of the bill underscores the precarious status of the F/A-XX. However, the fiscal landscape could shift with the prospective emergence of the 2026 appropriations bill, which may allocate additional resources, including secretive funding streams historically used by defense projects.
Industry Developments and Strategic Decisions
In March, the Navy reportedly neared a decision between Boeing and Northrop Grumman as potential contractors for the sixth-generation aircraft. However, the request for just $74 million for 2026 starkly contrasts with the $454 million received the previous year.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated the administration’s reservations regarding the F/A-XX, cautioning against the simultaneous development of two sixth-generation fighter programs due to industrial base capacity concerns.
Legislative Perspectives
Several key lawmakers, including Senator Mitch McConnell, have voiced their discontent regarding the postponement of the F/A-XX’s development.
“Pentagon hesitancy surrounding the F/A-XX has not only stalled its progress but has also incurred substantial costs in contract extensions,” McConnell articulated in a recent opinion piece. “A decisive move could position the U.S. Navy to retain its status as the foremost power-projection platform for decades.”
Future Funding Scenarios and Congressional Support
The question of final funding amounts for the F/A-XX remains unresolved. In July, the House endorsed its version of the 2026 defense appropriations bill, proposing $972 million for the F/A-XX program.
House appropriators affirmed that the Navy’s requirement for a sixth-generation fighter is unchanged and emphasized that the F-47 is not a substitute for the Navy’s carrier-capable capabilities. They warned that neglecting the F/A-XX program could leave the U.S. vulnerable in high-intensity conflict scenarios.
Additionally, a reconciliation bill approved that month allocated $750 million to expedite the F/A-XX initiative. The Senate’s version of the appropriations bill is anticipated to encompass $1.4 billion for the program.
Senate’s Inclusion of Special Access Programs
The Senate authorization bill reportedly incorporated $500 million for the F/A-XX through a classified program termed “Link Plumeria,” historically connected to the Navy’s fighter development efforts. The current NDAA compromise identifies $377 million for this initiative.
Next Steps for the F-47 Program
While Congress is consolidating funding for the F-47, lawmakers are seeking comprehensive insights into the program. The NDAA outlines expectations for the Air Force Secretary to deliver a report by March 1, 2027, detailing projected costs, timelines, and strategic framework for resource allocation through 2034. Key components of this report will include:
- Estimated force structure requirements
- Strategic basing considerations
- Construction expenses
- Personnel training protocols
- Integration strategy for Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units
The F-47 is projected to undertake its inaugural flight in 2028, marking a pivotal step in the Air Force’s modernization efforts.
