Pentagon Takes Charge of Navy’s Next-Gen Jet in Show of Support

The Pentagon’s top acquisition official has assumed oversight of the Navy’s next-generation stealth fighter, people familiar with the matter said, indicating that Defense Department leaders have set aside earlier skepticism of the program.

Undersecretary for Acquisition Michael Duffey elevated the F/A-XX program to what’s known as ACAT-1, meaning it joins a select group of programs deemed a top priority, according to the people, who asked not to be identified discussing a decision that hasn’t been made public.

Other programs with the ACAT-1 designation include the F-35 fighter, Sentinel ICBM and Columbia-class nuclear missile submarine. Duffey’s office declined repeated requests for ...