In a major boost for Boeing, the company has secured the US Air Force's contract to design and build its highly anticipated sixth-generation fighter jet under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. The announcement, made ahead of President Donald Trump’s scheduled statement at the White House, marks a significant shift in the future of U.S. military aviation.
President Trump, flanked by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, revealed that the new aircraft will be named the F-47, hailing it as the most advanced and lethal fighter jet ever built. "Nothing in the world comes even close to it," he declared during a press briefing in the Oval Office.
Boeing's triumph over Lockheed Martin
Boeing’s victory deals a major blow to Lockheed Martin, the long-time leader in stealth fighter design, known for producing the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. Lockheed had been a frontrunner in the competition, but the Air Force’s decision marks a shift in military strategy, giving Boeing a significant role in shaping the future of US air superiority.
The contract, estimated to be worth billions of dollars, will see Boeing develop a next-generation fighter capable of stealth, advanced sensors, and seamless integration with semi-autonomous drones. The new aircraft is set to replace the aging F-22, with full operational deployment expected by the 2030s.
A critical boost for Boeing's defense business
Boeing’s selection comes at a crucial time, as the company has faced setbacks in both its commercial and defense divisions. The NGAD contract provides a lifeline for its fighter jet production, particularly as its F/A-18 Super Hornet line nears the end of its production cycle.
With this win, Boeing is set to dominate the next phase of U.S. military aviation, developing a fighter jet designed to operate in highly contested environments, countering threats from China’s own advancements in sixth-generation aircraft.
The cost of air superiority
The NGAD program represents one of the most expensive defense initiatives in U.S. history. Each jet is expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars, with the total program cost likely surpassing that of the F-35 project, which has already faced criticism for its high price tag.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk, a critic of manned fighter jets, has voiced his opposition to the approach, advocating for a greater focus on unmanned combat systems. However, top Air Force officials, including General David Alvin, argue that piloted aircraft remain essential for future conflicts.
What's next for the NGAD Program?
The new F-47 will not operate alone. The Air Force’s vision for NGAD includes a ‘family of systems’, featuring semi-autonomous drones, known as Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs), developed by companies such as General Atomics and Anduril. These drones are expected to work alongside the F-47, enhancing combat capabilities and operational flexibility.
As the US military focuses on countering growing threats from China and Russia, Boeing’s NGAD fighter jet is poised to be a game-changer in modern warfare. Despite concerns over costs, Air Force officials insist that investing in air dominance is critical for national security.
With development now underway, the world’s most advanced fighter jet is on its way to reshaping air combat for decades to come.