Forget the F-18: US Navy Developing F/A-XX to Counter China’s J-20 and J-35 Fighters

Washington: Amid rising aerial threats from China and Russia, the United States is fast-tracking the development of its next-generation fighter jet, the F/A-XX, designed to counter China’s advanced J-20 and J-35 stealth fighters. The aircraft is intended for deployment on US Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, which now face heightened risks from Chinese hypersonic missiles.

The F/A-XX program, long delayed, has gained momentum following approval from the US Senate Committee earlier this month to move forward with research and development. It is expected to eventually replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, extending the operational reach and relevance of the US Navy’s carrier strike groups in the Pacific Ocean.

Enhanced Range and Capabilities
Experts predict that the F/A-XX will surpass current fighter jets in range, survivability, and AI-enabled operations. US Navy officials estimate the new fighter’s range will be 2,945 km without aerial refueling, compared to the F/A-18E/F’s 2,360 km with two AIM-9 missiles. With in-flight refueling, the F/A-XX could achieve near-unlimited strike distances. The jet will also be capable of integration with drones for advanced combat operations.

Countering China’s Air Power
The F/A-XX is primarily aimed at neutralizing China’s rapidly expanding fleet of fifth- and sixth-generation fighters, the J-20 and J-35. These aircraft pose a significant challenge to the US’s older fighter fleets. Rising tensions over Taiwan have prompted the US Navy to strengthen its military posture from Japan to the Philippines, ensuring readiness for potential conflict in the Indo-Pacific region.

With cutting-edge stealth, extended range, and AI-enabled systems, the F/A-XX is poised to redefine US aerial superiority, maintaining its edge against emerging Chinese and Russian threats.