On March 21, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced that Boeing has been awarded the contract to develop the F-47 fighter jet, dubbed as the most advanced aircraft in history. This major announcement, made during a press conference in the Oval Office, is part of the Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, intended to surpass the capabilities of the long-serving F-22 Raptor.
"Nothing in the world comes even close to it, and it'll be known as the F-47. The generals picked a title, and it's a beautiful number, F-47," Trump stated, highlighting the aircraft's expected superiority. The F-47 aims not only to replace the aging F-22 but also to operate in synergy with unmanned drones, creating a more versatile and powerful fighting force.
The engineering and manufacturing development contract for the F-47 is expected to be worth over $20 billion, with the potential for hundreds of billions of dollars in future orders over its multi-decade lifespan. Notably, Boeing's shares climbed by 4% following the announcement, while Lockheed Martin's shares fell by nearly 7%, marking a significant shift in the competitive landscape of the aerospace industry.
During the press event, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized the strategic implications of the new aircraft. He stated, "The new aircraft sends a very direct, clear message to our allies that we're not going anywhere, and to our enemies that... we will be able to project power around the globe unimpeded for generations to come." This statement underlines the dual focus of the program: enhancing offensive capabilities while reassuring allies.
While specifics on the F-47's design remain classified, some capabilities have been shared with the public. Trump promised the aircraft will be "virtually unseeable" with unmatched maneuverability and power. He also claimed it would fly in coordination with many drones, providing a tactical edge over adversaries. The NGAD project had previously been stalled in 2024 amid cost concerns, but a recent study reaffirmed its necessity in an age of escalating aerial threats.
General David Allvin, the Air Force Chief of Staff, remarked, "This is a big day for our United States Air Force as well," which indicates strong support for the advancement of air superiority technologies. The development of the F-47 is positioned as a response not only to existing aircraft like the F-22 but also in anticipation of future conflicts against countries like China and Russia.
Despite the excitement surrounding the F-47, experts are raising questions about the increased costs associated with the program. Dan Grazier, a military procurement analyst at the Stimson Center, voiced concerns, stating, "USD 20 billion is just seed money. The total costs coming down the road will be hundreds of billions of dollars." The Pentagon is also under pressure due to ongoing projects, such as the F-35, which is expected to cost taxpayers over $1.7 trillion across its operational lifetime.
Additionally, the timeline for the F-47's production coincides with ongoing challenges affecting Boeing's other products, particularly the troubled KC-46 tanker program, which has seen cost overruns exceeding $7 billion. These issues have cast a shadow over Boeing's recent successes, making the F-47 contract a critical lifeline for the company’s defense division.
Trump avoided disclosing specific numbers regarding the contract's total cost, citing national security reasons. However, he assured that production facilities are already prepared to ramp up manufacturing, stating, "They've already built much of what has to be built in terms of production, including the sheds, and will ensure that the USA continues to dominate the skies. We're given an order for a lot." This commitment indicates a strong belief in the aircraft’s design and potential marketability, including to allied countries.
In line with international strategy, Trump mentioned that toned-down versions of the F-47 might be available for allies interested in procuring the aircraft, which reflects an ongoing trend towards cooperative defense measures among allied nations. He noted, "Our allies are calling constantly. They want to buy them also, and we will be selling certain allies, perhaps toned-down versions. We would like to tone them down about 10 percent which probably makes sense, because someday, maybe they're not our allies."
As excitement builds around the potential of the F-47, the military community maintains a cautious optimism. Critics argue that the decision to build another high-end manned fighter amid evolving drone warfare might not align with future conflict scenarios. Yet, for the Trump administration, the F-47 stands as a promise of technological advancement and a cornerstone of American air superiority policy.
Ultimately, the F-47’s development under Boeing signifies a monumental shift in the US military's capabilities, with its unveiling marking the dawn of a new era in air combat tactics. In the ever-evolving theater of modern warfare, the F-47 fighter jet represents not just an aircraft, but rather a commitment to maintaining dominance in the skies for decades to come.
