In a major development that will shape American air power for decades, the Pentagon has awarded Boeing a $20 billion contract to develop the F-47 — the world’s first operational sixth-generation fighter under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.
Announced by President Donald Trump in a White House ceremony held on March 21, 2025, the F-47 promises to revolutionize aerial combat with unprecedented stealth, speed, and networked capabilities. “Nothing in the world comes even close to it, and it’ll be known as the F-47,” Trump declared.
Described as “the most advanced, most capable, most lethal aircraft ever built,” the F-47 is expected to dramatically reshape the future of air superiority, ushering in an era of combat where technology, autonomy, and power converge. The F-47 has “the most power of any jet of its kind ever made,” said Trump, flanked by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force Chief Gen. David Allvin.
“With the F-47, we are not just building another fighter — we are shaping the future of warfare and putting our enemies on notice,” Allvin said. “This platform will be the most advanced, lethal, and adaptable fighter ever developed — designed to outpace, outmaneuver, and outmatch any adversary that dares to challenge our brave Airmen.”
Why it matters
The F-47 represents America’s most significant leap in air combat technology since the F-22 for maintaining U.S. air dominance amid developments by China. Its selection marks a major shift in defense contracting, breaking Lockheed Martin’s recent monopoly on U.S. fighter production. Integrating autonomous drones and state-of-the-art systems also marks a significant leap in how future aerial combat will be conducted.
Designed to replace the aging F-22 Raptor, this sixth-generation fighter is set to revolutionize air combat. It features a powerful combination of manned flight and collaborative autonomous drone wingmen. The F-47’s emergence marks the end of an era dominated by F-22 and F-35 jets and the beginning of a new chapter for American air power.
Key Takeaways
- Boeing wins the NGAD contract in the competition against Lockheed Martin, despite the latter’s extensive legacy with the F-22 and F-35 programs.
- Boeing’s F-47 is set to be the centerpiece of the U.S. Air Force’s NGAD program, valued at $20 billion.
- F-47 fighter jet will boast advanced stealth technologies, speed exceeding Mach 2, and the ability to operate alongside autonomous drone wingmen.
- Production is estimated at $300 million per unit, with fielding expected next decade.
- Experimental versions of the F-47 have reportedly been flying for nearly five years, logging hundreds of test hours with much of its design remaining classified.
- The F-47 is part of a broader NGAD effort that includes collaborative combat drones, cutting-edge sensors, and advanced weapon systems.
F-47 and the Future of US Air Dominance
Boeing’s F-47, as the spearhead of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, represents a monumental leap forward in aerial warfare. Designed to replace the F-22 Raptor, the F-47 is set to be the most lethal and adaptable fighter jet ever conceived. Armed with cutting-edge stealth capabilities, this new fighter will be virtually invisible to enemy radar, ensuring an unmatched advantage in the skies. During the White House briefing, President Trump underscored the jet’s capabilities, promising it would have “the most power of any jet of its kind ever made.”
While specifics on the aircraft’s full design remain classified, initial reports indicate that the F-47 will not only exceed speeds of Mach 2 but also offer exceptional maneuverability. These attributes, combined with a formidable payload capacity, will make the F-47 a dominant force in any future conflict.
Next-Gen F-47 capabilities
While most specifications remain classified, officials revealed the F-47 will feature:
- Advanced stealth “making it virtually unseeable”
- Potential speeds exceeding Mach 2
- Next-Gen Adaptive Propulsion (either GE’s XA102 or Pratt & Whitney’s XA103 engine)
- Unprecedented maneuverability despite size and payload
- AI-enabled teaming with drone wingmen
The F-47 will be the heart of the NGAD concept’s “family of systems,” which also includes collaborative combat aircraft and cutting-edge sensors, weaponry and other technology that will allow it to better connect with satellites and other aircraft.
Cost
The NGAD program is the U.S. Air Force’s most expensive R&D initiative, with $19.6 billion allocated over the next five years in the 2025 budget. Boeing’s Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract is valued at over $20 billion, with further orders potentially pushing total costs into the hundreds of billions.
Initially, each NGAD fighter was estimated at $300 million, but President Trump refrained from revealing the exact price, citing concerns over exposing sensitive details.“We can’t tell you the price, because it would give it would give way to some of the technology and some of the size of the plane,” he said.
General David Allvin later clarified that the F-47 would be less expensive than the F-22, with more units expected to be produced. Given that an F-22 costs around $143 million, the F-47’s price could be significantly lower, possibly closer to the early F-35 models, with economies of scale further reducing costs.
Battle for NGAD: Boeing vs Lockheed Martin
This contract marks a significant milestone for Boeing, which has never before developed a fighter jet from the ground up. With this new clean-sheet design, the F-47 is a leap forward from Boeing’s previous fighters, like the F-15EX. “We recognize the importance of designing, building and delivering a 6th-generation fighter capability for the United States Air Force,” said Steve Parker, interim president and chief executive officer, of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “In preparation for this mission, we made the most significant investment in the history of our defense business, and we are ready to provide the most advanced and innovative NGAD aircraft needed to support the mission.”
Boeing’s victory over Lockheed Martin, a longstanding contender with decades of experience building the F-22 and F-35, was not an easy one. The competition between the two giants was fierce, with Boeing ultimately securing the multi-billion-dollar contract after a long period of secrecy and uncertainty surrounding the NGAD program.
Lockheed Martin, while acknowledging the outcome, expressed disappointment, stating that they were “confident we delivered a competitive solution” and were awaiting “further discussions with the U.S. Air Force.” It remains unclear whether Lockheed will contest the decision. The implications of this contract go beyond just Boeing’s win; it signifies the Air Force’s direction toward next-generation technologies and its commitment to ensuring American dominance in the skies for decades to come.
NGAD and future plans
The F-47 is set to be the core of the broader NGAD initiative, a transformative program designed to redefine U.S. air superiority. Beyond the fighter itself, NGAD encompasses a range of advanced technologies, including cutting-edge engines, sensors, electronic warfare systems, and battle management tools. A key element of this initiative is the development of next-generation engines, with General Electric and Pratt & Whitney competing to provide adaptive cycle designs that promise to enhance fuel efficiency, thrust, and overall performance.
As the program progresses, NGAD aims to not only deliver unparalleled air combat capabilities but also to reshape U.S. military operations in contested airspaces. With rising global threats, particularly from nations like China, the F-47 and its supporting technologies will be instrumental in securing U.S. dominance in the skies, ensuring the Air Force stays ahead of evolving challenges and prepares for increasingly complex future conflicts.
What’s next?
As Boeing embarks on the production of the F-47, the next decade will likely see the first aircraft roll off the assembly line and enter service. But beyond the fighter itself, the NGAD initiative promises to reshape air combat, with autonomous drones and advanced systems working in tandem with the F-47. With billions of dollars at stake and strategic dominance on the line, the coming years will be critical in defining the future of U.S. air power.
