Boeing wins U.S. Navy F/A-XX sixth-generation fighter contract
The U.S. Navy selected Boeing to build the F/A-XX sixth-generation fighter under a $20 billion initial contract announced September 29, ending an 18-month blackout on program news. The deal likely covers early airframes and development work for the carrier-based Next Generation Air Dominance platform. Boeing beat Lockheed Martin for the award; work begins immediately.
Why it matters: Europe now watches a second sixth-gen program lock in without transatlantic workshare — GCAP and FCAS both face U.S. export competition by the mid-2030s, and Boeing just secured industrial scale Lockheed can't match on NGAD alone.
U.S. Navy accepts first C-130J-30 for conversion into E-130J Phoenix II nuclear command aircraft
Lockheed Martin delivered the first C-130J-30 Super Hercules to the U.S. Navy for conversion into the E-130J Phoenix II, which will assume the Take Charge And Move Out airborne nuclear communications mission from the aging E-6B Mercury fleet. The turboprop platform replaces the jet-powered E-6, a Boeing 707 derivative. The Navy plans a fleet of E-130Js to maintain constant radio contact with ballistic missile submarines.
United StatesU.S. NavyLockheed Martin The War Zone →Defence Industry Europe →The Aviationist →
Germany changes course on MQ-28 drone wingman plans, 2029 fielding target in doubt
Germany has altered its approach to acquiring the MQ-28 loyal-wingman drone, a Boeing official told Breaking Defense, casting doubt on Berlin's 2029 target to field a collaborative combat aircraft. Germany had previously signaled interest in the MQ-28 as its CCA solution, which would have made it the first European nation to deploy such a system. The official did not specify what alternative path Germany is now pursuing.
Israel signs agreement with U.S. Pentagon for procurement of 12 Boeing Apache helicopters
Israel's Ministry of Defence instructed its U.S. mission to sign an agreement with the Pentagon for the procurement of 12 Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopters for the IDF. The deal was announced October 15. No delivery timeline or contract value was disclosed.
IsraelUnited StatesBoeing EDR Magazine →Airforce Technology →
U.S. Navy flies and lands drone on pitching ship without GPS or pilot using onboard vision
The U.S. Navy's Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division flew a drone through mission tasks and landed it autonomously on a moving ship at sea with GPS jammed, using only the aircraft's cameras, motion sensors and software. No value, platform type or timeline details were provided beyond the October 15 announcement.