F/A-XX

Congress has released the compromise National Defense Authorization Act with an $8 billion increase above the Pentagon's budget request. The legislation includes full funding for the Navy's F/A-XX sixth-generation fighter program, $26 billion for shipbuilding, and $38 billion for aircraft procurement.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle emphasized the need for an accelerated F/A-XX program due to the rapid spread of advanced anti-aircraft systems.