The US Navy has awarded Boeing a contract worth more than $20 billion for the full-scale development of the Navy's sixth-generation F/A-XX strike fighter, the Pentagon announced Tuesday.

The contract, awarded under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, includes multiple test aircraft that will be used for ground testing, airworthiness evaluations, systems testing and weapons integration.

Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, described the F/A-XX as a central element of the US military's effort to maintain air superiority and strengthen its ability to operate in contested environments.

“The F/A-XX is a critical pillar in our commitment to maintaining peace through strength,” Duffey said. “F/A-XX will dominate contested airspace, extend operational reach, and deliver a decisive combat advantage for the warfighter.”

Duffey said the program represents a major investment in the country's future air-combat capabilities, adding that the department would work with Boeing to accelerate development and field highly networked systems.

The F/A-XX is designed as a carrier-based aircraft intended to extend the operational reach of the US Navy's aircraft carrier fleet.(AA)