The US Air Force announced that Boeing has been awarded a contract to design, build and deliver its next-generation fighter aircraft to be designated as the F-47 as part of the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programme.
The NGAD Platform is set to introduce a new era of fighter aircraft for the United States, offering significant advancements in range, survivability, lethality, and adaptability. This platform serves as the core component of the NGAD Family of Systems.
“I’m thrilled to announce that, at my direction, the United States Air Force is moving forward with the world’s first sixth-generation fighter jet,” said President Donald Trump during a press briefing at the White House. “Nothing in the world comes even close to it, and it’ll be known as the F-47.”
“In terms of all of the attributes of a fighter jet, there’s never been anything even close to it, from speed to maneuverability, to what it can have, to payload. And this has been in the works for a long period of time,” Trump added. “America’s enemies will never see it coming.”
The NGAD represents a sixth-generation air superiority programme initiated by the US Air Force, aimed at developing a “family of systems” intended to replace the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor. At the core of the NGAD initiative is a crewed fighter aircraft, commonly known as the Penetrating Counter-Air (PCA) platform. This aircraft will be complemented by uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft (CCA), also referred to as loyal wingman platforms, which will operate in conjunction with manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T).
The NGAD programme traces its roots back to the 2014 study conducted by DARPA as part of the Air Dominance Initiative. The introduction of the new fighter aircraft is anticipated in the 2030s. Initially proposed as a collaborative effort between the Air Force and the Navy, the two branches have since created independent offices and programs. Although they share the same designation, the Air Force’s NGAD initiative is separate from the Navy’s, which includes the F/A-XX as its manned fighter element and is expected to have a comparable deployment schedule.
“Now we have the F-47, which sends a very direct, clear message to our allies that we’re not going anywhere… and to our enemies that we can, and we will be able to project power around the globe, unimpeded, for generations to come,” said US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth.
“This is a historic investment in the American military, in the American Industrial Base, that will help revive the warrior ethos inside our military, which we’re doing – rebuilding our military,” Hegseth added. “We know this is cheaper, longer range and more stealthy.”
In May 2024, the US Air Force implemented a strategic pause in the programme to confirm that it was making appropriate decisions for its personnel and the nation’s security. Throughout this period, the US Air Force maintained its collaboration with industry partners to advance essential technologies and expedite innovation.
“With this F-47 as the crown jewel in the Next Generation Air Dominance Family of Systems, we believe that this provides more lethality,” said US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin. “It provides more capability, more modernized capability, in a way that is built to adapt, along with our Collaborative Combat Aircraft.”
“Hopefully, these magnificent planes will be built and in the air during my administration. It’s ready to go. They’ve already built much of what has to be built in terms of production, including the sheds.” Trump added. “We will ensure that the USA continues to dominate the skies.”
Steve Parker, interim president and chief executive officer, Boeing Defense, Space & Security stated: “We recognize the importance of designing, building and delivering a 6th-generation fighter capability for the United States Air Force. 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.”
