Trump Announces $20 Billion Contract for Next-Gen Fighter Jet
- paolo bibat
- Mar 22
- 2 min read
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Friday that Boeing has secured the contract to develop the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation fighter jet, known as the F-47.
The aircraft, part of the Pentagon’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, is designed to surpass current capabilities with advanced stealth, longer range, and integration with autonomous drones.
“This will be the most advanced, most capable, and most lethal aircraft ever built,” Trump declared during a White House event alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin. The F-47, he added, “sends a clear message to our allies and adversaries alike: America’s air superiority is here to stay.”
The NGAD program aims to replace the F-22 Raptor with a sixth-generation fighter that can serve as a command hub for drone fleets in high-threat environments like those posed by China. The $20 billion contract represents the initial phase of production, but experts predict total costs could reach hundreds of billions over its lifespan.
The F-47 will feature cutting-edge stealth technology, advanced sensors, and adaptive engines for enhanced fuel efficiency and thrust. “This is a generational leap forward,” said Gen. Allvin. He also noted that more F-47s will be produced than the 180 F-22s currently in service.
Critics have questioned whether investing in another manned fighter is prudent given the Pentagon’s ongoing struggles with the costly F-35 program and the development of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber. Dan Grazier, a military procurement analyst, argued that evolving drone and space warfare might render such jets less relevant in future conflicts. “This $20 billion is just seed money,” Grazier said. “The real costs will be astronomical.”
Despite these concerns, officials defended the program’s necessity. A review commissioned under the Biden administration concluded that NGAD would be critical in any future conflict with China.
Boeing’s selection follows a competitive process against Lockheed Martin and marks a significant win for the company amid challenges in its commercial and defense sectors. The contract secures Boeing’s role in shaping U.S. air superiority for decades while bolstering its fighter jet manufacturing operations in St. Louis, Missouri.
Trump revealed that experimental versions of the F-47 have been secretly flying for five years and expressed confidence that production could accelerate under his administration. “We’re going to field this capability faster than ever before,” he said.
While details about the aircraft remain classified, renderings suggest a sleek, tailless design optimized for stealth and maneuverability. The Air Force plans to eventually develop an unmanned version as artificial intelligence capabilities advance further.
The F-47 is expected to enter service by the 2030s, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of modern aerial warfare strategy.
