By In a significant move to modernize the U.S. Air Force, President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Boeing has secured a contract to develop the next-generation fighter jet, the F-47. The decision is part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, which aims to replace the ageing F-22 Raptor, in service since the early 2000s.
During a press briefing at the Oval Office, Trump highlighted the rigorous competition among leading aerospace companies before the Air Force ultimately selected Boeing.
“After a thorough evaluation of proposals from America’s top aerospace firms, we are proud to award Boeing the contract for the NGAD platform. The F-47 will be the most advanced, fastest, and most maneuverable aircraft ever developed,” Trump stated.
Though the financial details of the contract remain classified, the deal is expected to be a cornerstone of the Air Force’s modernization efforts. Trump, serving as the 47th President of the United States, also emphasized that the aircraft’s designation as the “F-47” was chosen by military officials and reflects its unparalleled capabilities.
A Much-Needed Boost for Boeing
The announcement provides a much-needed boost for Boeing, which has faced challenges in recent years, including labor strikes and safety-related setbacks. The company’s involvement in the NGAD program signals a resurgence in its position as a leading defense contractor.
The NGAD initiative was temporarily stalled in 2024 due to budget constraints. However, the Trump administration revived the project, appointing billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk to oversee cost-cutting measures through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The Role of the F-47 in the U.S. Air Force
Designed to replace the F-22, the F-47 represents a groundbreaking leap in aviation technology. It will serve as a multi-role combat aircraft with next-generation stealth, speed, and maneuverability. One of its key features is its ability to operate in coordination with uncrewed drones, enabling greater combat flexibility.
A report by AFP states that the aircraft will be engineered for interoperability with advanced AI-assisted drone squadrons, enhancing the Air Force’s capability to execute complex missions with precision and adaptability.
The World’s First Crewed 6th-Generation Fighter
General David W. Allvin, Air Force Chief of Staff, hailed the F-47 as “the most advanced, lethal, and adaptable fighter ever developed.” The aircraft is touted as the world’s first crewed sixth-generation fighter jet, capable of outmatching any known adversary.
According to an official Air Force statement, the F-47 will boast an extended operational range, superior stealth, and improved sustainability compared to its predecessors. It is also expected to be more cost-efficient than the F-22 while incorporating modular technology that allows for easy upgrades to counter emerging threats.
A Fierce Competition for the Contract
Boeing and Lockheed Martin engaged in intense competition for the NGAD contract. The Air Force’s primary objective was to select a fighter jet with superior speed, range, and stealth capabilities to maintain an edge in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in response to China’s military advancements.
The NGAD program is a direct countermeasure to China’s rapid military expansion. Beijing has been actively developing its own advanced fifth-generation fighter jets and is reportedly in the early testing phases of a sixth-generation aircraft.
F-47: Already Undergoing Secret Testing?
President Trump revealed that a prototype of the F-47 has been undergoing classified flight tests for nearly five years.
“The F-47 is not just a concept—it’s already a reality. A prototype has been secretly flying for almost five years, and we’re confident it massively outperforms any other fighter in existence today,” Trump stated.
China’s Advancements in 6th-Gen Fighters
Meanwhile, China has been making significant strides in military aviation with the development of its J-36 sixth-generation stealth fighter-bomber. The J-36 is designed with a tailless, flying-wing configuration and a unique three-engine system, enhancing maneuverability and stealth characteristics.
China’s J-36 is reportedly capable of carrying hypersonic weapons and drones, positioning it as a formidable force in strategic areas such as the South China Sea. It is also expected to integrate advanced avionics and networked warfare capabilities, allowing seamless coordination with uncrewed aerial systems.
A Strategic Move for U.S. Air Superiority
The F-47 contract aligns with the Air Force’s long-term goal of maintaining global air superiority. With China’s rapid technological advancements and growing geopolitical tensions, the U.S. is investing heavily in next-generation capabilities to ensure dominance in future combat scenarios.
The first operational units of the F-47 are expected to be deployed within the next decade, ushering in a new era of air warfare. As the world’s first crewed sixth-generation fighter jet, it will set a benchmark for future aerial combat technology.
