Breaking Defense is reporting that Boeing has won the Navy's F/A-XX next-generation fighter competition. It said the selection gives Boeing a monopoly on American sixth-generation fighters, following its 2025 selection to build the F-47, and raises questions about how the company's workforce will take on another major program.
Breaking Defense also reported that the Government Accountability Office found the Navy's shipyard overhaul could cost more than $200 billion. It said the Navy originally estimated the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program would cost approximately $21 billion.
The outlet reported that the Navy plans to purchase 30 medium unmanned surface vessels following at-sea testing. It said the contracts come as the Navy expands its marketplace for unmanned systems and moves into the second phase of the MUSV program, with the service seeking vessels that can operate for 10 days at sea and carry two shipping containers.
Breaking Defense reported that Saronic has broken ground on a new Port Alpha shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, built from the ground up.
It said the U.S. and U.K. tested SM-6 and other missiles on a SINKEX target frigate, with a Navy official saying the final blow was delivered by an Mk 48 Advanced Capability Torpedo.
Breaking Defense reported that the Navy launched a Robotics and Autonomous Systems Warfighting Development Center, which is developing a phased implementation plan to address command structure, mission relationships and resource requirements.
It said OCCAR awarded a $4.2 billion DDX destroyer contract to a Fincantieri and Leonardo joint venture, with the two Italian manufacturers saying the program is set to redefine the Italian Navy's air and missile defense capability.
Breaking Defense also reported that the Defense Intelligence Agency adopted a new analytical framework to measure a military's "will to fight" after underestimating Ukraine's forces.