On Friday, President Donald Trump made a significant announcement regarding the future of the U.S. military’s aerial capabilities. Boeing has been selected to construct the Air Force’s upcoming fighter jet, part of the Pentagon’s ambitious Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. This next-gen aircraft promises advanced stealth and penetration abilities, crucial for any potential conflict, particularly with nations like China.
The NGAD, which serves as the core of a new manned airfleet, will act as the command center for a series of drones capable of infiltrating rival defense systems. The initial manufacturing contract for the Air Force iteration is valued at an estimated $20 billion. This new fighter jet, preemptively named the F-47 by President Trump during a White House briefing with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and top Air Force officials, marks a significant evolution in air combat capability.
General David Allvin, the Air Force Chief of Staff, emphasized the transformative impact of NGAD, asserting it will redefine modern aerial warfare. Meanwhile, Hegseth highlighted that such advancements send a resolute message of commitment to U.S. allies. Despite its promise, the program faces scrutiny over its necessity and expenditures, as the costly and complex production of the F-35 jet continues. The F-35 program, which will cost more than $1.7 trillion, is still progressing, while a parallel initiative to develop the B-21 Raider stealth bomber anticipates employing similar cutting-edge technologies.
As the U.S. and its allies have already assembled over 1,100 F-35s, plans are underway to establish a stealth bomber fleet of roughly 100 B-21s, projecting costs above $130 billion. Currently, some B-21s are undergoing test flights. While evolving drone and space warfare tactics dominate strategic concerns, experts like Dan Grazier question whether a new manned fighter, like the NGAD, remains relevant, citing anticipated total project costs in the hundreds of billions.
Details remain sparse on the NGAD’s specifics, though prototypes have reportedly been in test flights for five years. Conceptual designs showcase a sleek, tail-less aircraft, highlighting its innovative front-end. The contract, awarded to Boeing, was finalized following a thorough independent Air Force assessment. Despite Boeing’s past challenges with Air Force One, their offer represented the optimal value, according to an anonymous source.
While exact production numbers for the F-47 remain unspecified, an official statement from the Air Force suggests greater numbers than its predecessor, the F-22, of which around 180 units are currently operational. The F-47’s designation pays homage to past military achievements and highlights supportive presidential influence, including ties to the historical P-47 and the same numbered presidential administration.
Concurrently, the Navy is still evaluating options for its own NGAD variant, with Boeing competing against Northrop Grumman. Recently, a temporary halt was imposed on the NGAD program by then-Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall under the Biden administration, to reassess its relevance against evolving military strategies since its conception in 2018.
After considering expert input on hypothetical conflict scenarios involving China, the conclusion supported NGAD’s continued development. The incoming Trump administration ultimately determined Boeing’s role in constructing this fighter jet, with expectations it will offer unparalleled stealth and operational range, along with plans for an unmanned variant equipped with enhanced AI capabilities.
