Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle emphasized the urgent need for a decision regarding the Navy’s next-generation fighter, the F/A-XX, during statements made at the Reagan National Defense Forum in California. He highlighted that the development, testing, and deployment of any resulting aircraft will require significant time, making a quick decision imperative.
Caudle stated, “It’s my job to inform the secretary of war’s team about that imperative,” underscoring his role in pushing for a timely resolution amid ongoing delays attributed to reported conflicts between Congress, the Navy, and the Department of Defense. He aims to build a compelling case that stresses the military necessity for the F/A-XX, which is intended to complement the Lockheed Martin F-35 in the Navy’s carrier air wings.
During a panel discussion, Caudle articulated the importance of the F/A-XX, asserting that “in no world will what flies off of [a carrier] shouldn’t be the highest-end platform possible to penetrate deep into a weapon engagement zone.” He also expressed concern over the Navy’s competitive stance, stating, “I see threat curves are in some domains I’m diverging from where I’m being overmatched.”
Concerns Over Industrial Capacity
The urgency surrounding the F/A-XX is further complicated by the Pentagon’s focus on balancing rapid production needs with the industrial base’s capacity to manage multiple sixth-generation fighter programs. Michael Duffey, the Pentagon’s chief weapons buyer, acknowledged the challenge of producing both the F/A-XX and the Air Force’s F-47, which recently awarded a contract to Boeing.
When asked about the feasibility of building both aircraft simultaneously, Duffey remarked, “I don’t have an opinion [on that] right now. That’s one of the things that we’re working through.” This uncertainty reflects broader concerns within the defense sector regarding resource allocation and production capabilities.
Despite these challenges, support for the F/A-XX remains strong among certain congressional leaders. Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va., asserted, “We need F/A-XX. By any measure we need it, and we want to make sure the decision is made quickly.” He emphasized that Congress has already taken decisive actions, including authorization and funding, to advance the program.
Political Dynamics and Future Implications
Recent reports indicate that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is hesitant to proceed with the F/A-XX program, aligned with the White House’s stance that pursuing two sixth-generation fighters simultaneously presents too much risk. This position has sparked debates within Congress, where various defense advocates support rapid development of the F/A-XX to counter emerging threats, particularly from China.
As discussions continue, the pressure mounts on the Navy and the Defense Department to reach a conclusion on the F/A-XX. The growing complexity of geopolitical dynamics and technological advancements underscores the critical nature of this decision. As Adm. Caudle noted, the need for an advanced fighter platform is both immediate and essential for maintaining military readiness in an evolving global landscape.
