Boeing has officially been awarded a landmark $20 billion contract to build the F-47, the U.S. military’s first sixth-generation fighter jet, under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.
The announcement was made Friday by President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, signaling a major leap forward in American airpower.
A Game-Changing Fighter for a New Era
The F-47 is set to replace the F-22 Raptor as the tip of the spear for U.S. air superiority. Designed with cutting-edge stealth technology, adaptive engines, advanced sensors, and drone-teaming capabilities, the jet is expected to redefine how the U.S. engages in air combat for decades to come.
“This aircraft is built not just to fly faster and farther – but smarter,” said Secretary Hegseth during the press briefing. “The F-47 represents a shift from platform-centric warfare to a networked, integrated air dominance strategy.”
Why Boeing?
Boeing emerged as the winner after a fierce competition that included Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. According to defense analysts, Boeing’s bid stood out for its emphasis on modular architecture, rapid prototyping, and a scalable production model that reduces long-term costs.
Aerospace investor Kathy Lin commented, “You can think of Boeing today like a turnaround story that just got a billion-dollar vote of confidence from the Pentagon.”
What We Know About the F-47
While many technical details remain classified, here’s what has been confirmed or reported:
- Stealth profile: Improved radar-absorbent materials and angular design for lower visibility
- AI integration: A semi-autonomous flight system that supports AI-assisted targeting and decision-making
- Manned-unmanned teaming: Ability to command and coordinate with multiple unmanned drones mid-flight
- Adaptive propulsion: Variable-cycle engines offering both high-speed and fuel-efficient cruising
- Next-gen weapons: Hypersonic missile capability and directed energy systems are rumored
Test flights are expected to begin by late 2026, with full operational capability projected for 2030.
Strategic Implications
The F-47 is not just another fighter jet – it’s a critical element in the Pentagon’s strategy to counter rising threats from China and Russia, both of whom are reportedly developing sixth-generation aircraft of their own. The aircraft is intended to dominate contested airspace and function within a broader multi-domain command structure.
Military experts note that the F-47 will operate alongside existing assets like the F-35 and F-15EX, acting as a hub in a larger network of sensors, satellites, and strike platforms.
Industry Impact
The contract is a major win for Boeing, which has faced scrutiny and setbacks in recent years – including production delays and safety issues in its commercial aircraft division. Analysts predict the F-47 program will stabilize Boeing Defense, Space & Security and renew investor confidence.
Shares of Boeing (NYSE: BA) rose 4.8% following the announcement.
What’s Next
The Next Generation of Air Dominance sends a very direct and clear message to our allies and our enemies that we are not going anywhere! pic.twitter.com/RPQrJ9mtQ1
— Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) March 21, 2025
With the announcement now public, Boeing is expected to scale up hiring and expand its advanced manufacturing facilities in St. Louis and Seattle. Subcontractors across the country will also begin gearing up for full-scale production.
The U.S. Air Force emphasized that although Boeing is leading the prime contract, the NGAD program will continue to operate as a collaborative effort between multiple defense tech innovators.
For now, the F-47 has officially taken off – at least on paper.
