Boeing Bags $20 Billion Contract for 6th Gen F-47 Fighter Jet

On March 21, 2025— In a significant boost to American aerospace and defence, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Boeing has been selected to build the world’s first sixth-generation fighter jet, dubbed the F-47, under a contract valued at over $20 billion. The announcement, made from the Oval Office, marks a pivotal moment for Boeing, which has faced challenges in recent years, and signals a major advancement in U.S. military aviation technology.

The Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, designed to replace Lockheed Martin’s aging F-22 Raptor, will feature a crewed fighter jet capable of operating alongside drones in combat. Trump, flanked by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin, hailed the F-47 as “the most advanced, most capable, most lethal aircraft ever built.” He added, “Nothing in the world comes even close to it,” emphasizing its superiority over potential adversaries like China and Russia.

The decision comes after a fierce competition between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, with the latter recently eliminated from a separate Navy fighter jet contest. The F-47, named in a nod to Trump as the 47th U.S. president, is expected to incorporate cutting-edge stealth technology, advanced sensors, and next-generation engines. President Trump revealed that an experimental version of the aircraft has been secretly flying for nearly five years, underscoring the program’s advanced stage of development.

“This is a historic investment in the American military and industry,” said Defense Secretary Hegseth. “It sends a clear message to our allies that we’re here to stay and to our enemies that we will project power globally for generations.” Gen. Allvin highlighted the jet’s role in “unlocking the magic of human-machine teaming,” noting its integration with semi-autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones as a cornerstone of modern aerial warfare.

For Boeing, the contract represents a much-needed victory. The company has struggled with cost overruns on projects like the KC-46 tanker and delays in delivering new Air Force One aircraft, which Trump has publicly criticized. The NGAD win is poised to revitalize Boeing’s defense division, based in St. Louis, Missouri, and could lead to hundreds of billions of dollars in orders over the program’s multi-decade lifespan. Shares of Boeing rose 5% following the announcement, while Lockheed Martin’s stock dropped nearly 6%.

The decision follows a period of uncertainty for the NGAD program. Last summer, then-Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall paused the initiative to review its escalating costs—estimated at $300 million per aircraft—and strategic relevance amid evolving threats. However, recent reviews concluded that a manned sixth-generation fighter remains essential for maintaining air superiority, particularly against China’s advancing military capabilities.

Critics, including billionaire Elon Musk, a key Trump adviser, have questioned the focus on costly manned fighters, advocating for cheaper drone alternatives. Despite such skepticism, Trump emphasized potential foreign sales, noting, “Our allies are calling constantly. They want to buy them also.”

While specifics of the F-47’s design remain classified, renderings suggest a sleek, tailless aircraft optimized for stealth and speed. The Air Force plans to produce more F-47s than the 180 F-22s currently in service, though exact numbers have not been disclosed. The initial $20 billion contract covers engineering and manufacturing development, setting the stage for production in the coming years.

As the U.S. looks to counter near-peer adversaries, the F-47 is poised to redefine aerial combat, blending human ingenuity with cutting-edge technology. For Boeing, it’s a chance to reclaim its stature in defense innovation—and for Trump, a signature achievement in bolstering America’s military might.

Possible Core Technology of F-47

• The F-47 is described as the world’s first operational crewed sixth-generation fighter jet so we can expect this generation to emphasize advanced stealth, speed, maneuverability, and integration with emerging technologies.
• Public statements suggest a top speed exceeding Mach 2 (approximately 1,534 mph or 2,470 km/h), positioning it as a high-supersonic aircraft.
• The F-47 is expected to feature advanced propulsion, likely from the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion program.
• The F-47 is expected to feature advanced propulsion, likely from the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion program.
• Emphasized for operations in the vast Indo-Pacific region, the F-47 likely has a significantly longer range than the F-22, supported by its efficient engines and possibly larger internal fuel capacity.