Boeing Wins Historic $20B Contract to Develop F-47 Next-Gen Stealth Fighter
Boeing has secured a landmark $20 billion contract to develop the F-47, America's first sixth-generation fighter jet under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. This announcement, made by President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth, marks a significant advancement in U.S. military aviation.
The F-47 will succeed the F-22 Raptor, incorporating advanced stealth technology, adaptive engines, and drone-teaming capabilities. Secretary Hegseth emphasized the aircraft's role in transitioning from platform-centric warfare to an integrated air dominance strategy.
Boeing 737 MAX in flight
Boeing won the contract over competitors Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, standing out for its modular architecture and cost-effective production model.
Key Features of the F-47:
- Enhanced stealth capabilities with advanced radar-absorbent materials
- AI-assisted targeting and semi-autonomous flight systems
- Capability to coordinate with multiple unmanned drones
- Variable-cycle engines for speed and efficiency
- Hypersonic missile compatibility and directed energy systems
Test flights are scheduled for late 2026, with full operational capability expected by 2030. The aircraft will operate alongside F-35s and F-15EXs as part of a broader multi-domain command structure, directly addressing rising military competition from China and Russia.
The contract represents a crucial turning point for Boeing, which has faced challenges in its commercial division. The company's stock rose 4.8% following the announcement.
Boeing will expand its manufacturing operations in St. Louis and Seattle, while coordinating with various subcontractors nationwide. The Air Force maintains that the NGAD program will continue as a collaborative effort among multiple defense technology innovators.
This development ensures America's continued air superiority while fostering technological innovation in the defense sector. The F-47 program represents not just an aircraft, but a comprehensive approach to maintaining U.S. military dominance in contested airspace.
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