US Navy fighter competition ejects Lockheed, sources say

WASHINGTON, March 4 (Reuters) - The U.S. Navy will eliminate defense giant Lockheed Martin Corp LMT.N from the competition to build its next-generation carrier-based stealth fighter - a key part of broader plans to confront China on its home turf, people familiar with the decision said.

The Navy will move ahead with designs from Boeing Co BA.N and Northrop Grumman Corp NOC.N while eliminating Lockheed Martin LMT.N from the next-generation fighter jet competition, dubbed the F/A-XX. The new jet will replace the Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet, which has been in service since the 1990s.

Lockheed Martin did not immediately respond to a request for comment.