** Boeing BA.N up 4.5% after Reuters reports the co was awarded $20 bln contract to build U.S. Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance fighter jet

** Contract replaces Lockheed Martin's F-22 Raptor, includes crewed aircraft to combat alongside drones; significant for BA's defense business

** BA's stock up 2% YTD, outperforming S&P 500 .SPX which is down 4% in same period

** Stock is about 8% below its 52-week high of $196.93 reached on Jul 31, 2024

** BA competitor Lockheed Martin LMT.N down 5.7%

(Reporting by Noel Randewich)

((noel.randewich@thomsonreuters.com))