Photo: ANNABELLE GORDON / AFP / Getty Images
President Donald Trump announced that Boeing will develop the United States' first sixth-generation fighter jet, the F-47, as part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. The contract, valued at over $20 billion, was awarded to Boeing after a competitive process against Lockheed Martin. The F-47 is designed to replace the F-22 Raptor and will operate alongside drones, emphasizing advanced capabilities and stealth technology.
The announcement was made at the White House on Friday (March 21), where Trump described the F-47 as "the most advanced, most capable, most lethal aircraft ever built." An experimental version of the F-47 has been secretly flying for nearly five years, showcasing its advanced capabilities. The decision aligns with the Pentagon's strategy to focus on countering autonomous unmanned aircraft systems, particularly from adversaries like China and Russia.
The NGAD program, centered around the sixth-generation fighter, aims to create a "family of systems" to ensure air superiority. The F-47's design is expected to include stealth, advanced sensors, and cutting-edge engines, although specific details remain classified.
Boeing's victory marks a significant achievement for the company, which has faced challenges in both its commercial and defense sectors. The contract will provide a substantial boost to Boeing's fighter jet production business in St. Louis, Missouri.