WASHINGTON, September 30. /TASS/. The US Department of War has signed a $20 billion contract with Boeing to develop sixth·generation fighter F/A·XX for the Navy, it said in a statement on the website.

The carrier-based fighter is supposed to replace the F/A-18E Super Hornet, F/A-18F Super Hornet and the EA-18G Growler in the coming years. According to experts, the cost of the program could eventually amount to hundreds of billions of dollars.

Under the deal, Boing will make several prototype aircraft for testing. Northrop Grumman also bid for the contract.

Under Secretary of Defense Michael Duffy believes that the F/A-XX will provide the US military with a decisive combat advantage.

In 2025, the Pentagon selected Boeing to develop the sixth·generation F·47 fighter jet for the Air Force.