Boeing Wins F-47 Sixth Generation Fighter Contract

Trump has awarded a 20 billion dollar contract to build the USA's first 6th Gen Aircraft (previously known as NGAD) - Dubbed the F-47, to Boeing

Each new aircraft is estimated to cost as much as $300 million.

US President Donald Trump on Friday awarded Boeing a $20 billion contract to build the US Air Force's most sophisticated fighter jet, which will be called the F-47., beating out Lockheed's proposal. The win marks a reversal of fortune for Boeing, which has struggled on both the commercial (see: 787 production problems, the infamous 737 MAX programme) and defense sides (KC-46, T-7, ect) of its business. 

The Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program will replace Lockheed Martin's F-22 Raptor with a crewed aircraft built to enter combat alongside drones. The plane's design remains a closely held secret, but would likely include stealth, advanced sensors, and cutting-edge engines.

Trump, the 47th president, said the new jet will be called the F-47.

"We've given an order for a lot. We can't tell you the price," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

"Our allies are calling constantly," Trump added, saying foreign sales could be an option. "They want to buy them also."

Reuters reported Boeing's victory before the official announcement.

According to General Allvin, the F-47 will not simply replace existing aircraft, but will redefine the future of aerial warfare. Designed to outpace and outmanoeuvre modern threats, the fighter aims to be the most advanced, adaptable and lethal platform ever developed.

"Compared to the F-22, the F-47 will cost less and be more adaptable to future threats -- and we will have more of the F-47s in our inventory,"

-Chief of Staff of the Air Force General David Allvin.

The F-47 is described as the first crewed sixth-generation fighter aircraft, developed to operate in the most complex and high-risk environments. The platform’s foundation was laid over the past five years through experimental ‘X-plane’ test flights, which validated key technologies and design concepts.

These experimental flights played a crucial role in maturing the F-47’s capabilities and ensuring readiness ahead of full-scale production. General Allvin confirmed that the fighter will enter service during the administration of President Donald Trump.

Officials have also highlighted the F-47’s advanced state of development, stating it surpasses the F-22 in several critical areas. Though the F-22 remains a leading air superiority fighter, the F-47 is expected to offer a generational leap in performance.

Compared to previous aircraft, the F-47 will be more cost-effective, have greater range, and offer improved stealth and sustainability. Its modular design also means it can be adapted quickly to emerging threats, with lower manpower and infrastructure requirements.

General Allvin reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to ensuring American air dominance remains unchallenged. He concluded by stating the F-47 reflects a clear promise to deter potential adversaries and secure U.S. interests around the globe.

Source: United States Air Force.