The administration of US President Donald Trump is pursuing further changes to the leadership of the US armed forces, with plans to reduce the number of senior military officers while awarding Boeing a contract to develop the Navy’s next-generation fighter aircraft.
The changes include a planned reduction in generals, admirals and other senior officers, alongside a programme worth more than $20 billion for the development of the Navy’s sixth-generation FA-XX fighter.
Senior military ranks to be reduced
According to US media reports, War Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to announce another reduction in the number of generals, admirals and senior Air Force officers during his annual address on the state of the US armed forces at the Quantico base in Virginia.
Fox News reported that the changes envisage a reduction of up to 20% in senior officers and are expected to be fully implemented by 1 January 2027.
The Pentagon did not comment on the reports.
The move forms part of the broader military reorganisation pursued by the Trump administration since returning to power in January 2025.
During that period, a number of senior military officials have been removed from their positions, including former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles “CQ” Brown, as well as the heads of the Marine Corps, Coast Guard and National Security Agency.
Hegseth has repeatedly argued that the political leadership should select the military leadership it considers appropriate to command the world’s most powerful armed forces. He had already ordered reductions among senior officers in 2025.
Boeing wins $20 billion FA-XX programme
At the same time, the War Department announced that Boeing had been selected to develop the US Navy’s new sixth-generation fighter aircraft in a programme worth more than $20 billion.
The aircraft, currently designated FA-XX, is intended to replace the F/A-18 Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler during the 2030s.
It is expected to operate alongside the F-35C, the naval version of the fifth-generation fighter.
Boeing Defense, Space & Security President and CEO Steve Parker described the selection as an “honour” for the company, saying the new platform would “revolutionise” US Navy capabilities through advanced operational and digital systems.
Boeing takes second next-generation fighter programme
The FA-XX award further strengthens Boeing’s position in the US defence industry.
The company was already selected in March 2025 to develop the F-47, the US Air Force’s next-generation fighter.
According to Boeing, simultaneously developing two advanced fighter aircraft had been part of its strategic planning from the outset.
The company has already begun construction of a new high-security facility in St Louis, Missouri, which it describes as the largest facility of its kind ever built in the United States.
Northrop Grumman also competed for the FA-XX programme with its own proposal incorporating advanced information systems but was not selected.
The announcement had an immediate impact on Wall Street, with Boeing shares rising in after-hours trading while Northrop Grumman shares declined.
