The Pentagon has awarded Boeing the contract for the Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance fighter jet, designated F-47. President Donald Trump announced this development on March 21, 2025, during an Oval Office event attended by key military officials.
- Pentagon awards NGAD contract to Boeing.
- F-47 will replace the F-22 Raptor.
- Jet features advanced stealth and drones.
- Experimental versions have flown for five years.
- Cost estimates raised concerns about program viability.
- Potential sales of toned-down versions to allies.
The Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program aims to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet that incorporates cutting-edge technologies. The F-47 is designed to be virtually invisible due to its state-of-the-art stealth capabilities and will operate alongside autonomous drone wingmen known as collaborative combat aircraft. These advancements are expected to significantly enhance air superiority for U.S. forces.
Key details about the F-47 include:
- It will replace the existing fleet of approximately 180 F-22 Raptors.
- The cost is anticipated to be lower than that of an F-22, which currently costs around $143 million each.
- Experimental versions have been in flight testing for five years, demonstrating technological readiness.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin emphasized that while the F-22 remains a premier air superiority fighter, the F-47 represents a generational leap forward in capability and adaptability against future threats. Although specific pricing details were not disclosed due to security concerns, there were previous estimates indicating potential costs could reach up to $300 million per unit if not managed properly.
This announcement marks a significant milestone in U.S. military aviation as it prepares for modern warfare challenges while also considering potential sales of modified versions of the aircraft to allies in future conflicts.
The awarding of the NGAD contract to Boeing signifies a pivotal step towards enhancing U.S. air combat capabilities with advanced technology aimed at maintaining superiority over adversaries in future engagements.
