"Navy's Jet Acquisition Jeopardized by Boeing Dispute"
The U.S. Navy is set to receive only 16 of the last F/A-18 Super Hornet jets instead of the 20 appropriated due to a dispute over intellectual property rights with Boeing. The Navy needs these jets to phase out aging aircraft and prepare for potential conflict with China. The disagreement is causing a delay in negotiations, and the Navy is concerned about not having the necessary data rights to perform maintenance on the Super Hornets during a conflict. Lawmakers have added extra jets to address the Navy's strike fighter shortfall, but the reduced number of fighters received will impact the Navy's capabilities.