Northrop Grumman CEO: No Bid for NGAD Fighter, Focuses on Other Opportunities

Northrop Grumman has announced that it will not compete to be the prime contractor for the US Air Force's Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, but remains open to competing in the Navy's sixth-generation fighter program. While Boeing and Lockheed Martin are believed to be competing for NGAD, Northrop has decided not to respond to the request for proposals as the prime contractor. However, the company may still participate as a second-tier partner. The Air Force plans to select a contractor for NGAD in 2024, aiming to replace the F-22 fighter with a sixth-generation aircraft that possesses enhanced lethality and survivability in highly-contested environments.