Donald Trump Awards $20 Billion Contract to Boeing for Advanced F-47 Aircraft

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WASHINGTON- President Donald Trump announced on Friday, March 21, that Boeing has been awarded the contract to build the Air Force’s Future Fighter Jet F-47. This is amid potential military conflicts with China, as per the Associated Press (AP).

The Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) aircraft will feature stealth and penetration capabilities surpassing those of the current fleet.

The initial contract was valued at approximately $20 billion. Boeing will be the manufacturer of the Air Force’s version of this advanced Fighter Jet.

Photo- US Air Force via AP

Donald Trump F-47 Contract

President Trump, along with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force leadership, revealed at the White House that the new aircraft will be designated the F-47.

Air Force Chief of Staff General David Allvin emphasized the significance of the program, stating, “We’re going to write the next generation of modern aerial warfare with this.” Defense Secretary Hegseth added that the future fleet “sends a very clear, direct message to our allies that we’re not going anywhere.”

Technical Capabilities & Design

The NGAD Fighter Jet is designed to serve as the quarterback for a fleet of future drone aircraft. It will be capable of penetrating the air defences of China and other potential adversaries.

According to defence officials speaking on condition of anonymity, the new aircraft will provide “an entirely different level of low observability” compared to existing Fighter Jets.

The F-47 will also feature significantly extended range capabilities beyond the F-35 or other current fighter jets. There will be a reduction in dependence on aerial refuelling. Plans include developing an unmanned version of the NGAD as Pentagon artificial intelligence capabilities advance.

Only a few details about the aircraft’s appearance have been released. Trump mentioned that early versions have been conducting test flights for the past five years. Industry renderings from both Boeing and Lockheed Martin have depicted a flat, tail-less aircraft with a sharp-nose design.

Flat, tail-less aircraft with a sharp-nose design; Photo- Boeing

Costs & Significance

While the initial contract is worth $20 billion, the total program cost is expected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars.

The Air Force has not specified the exact number of aircraft to be produced. General Allvin indicated that there would be more F-47s manufactured than the approximately 180 F-22 fighter jets currently in service.

The F-47 designation carries historical significance. An Air Force statement says: “It honours the legacy of the P-47, whose contributions to air superiority during World War II remain historic.

Additionally, the number pays tribute to the founding year of the Air Force. It also recognizes the 47th President’s pivotal support for the development of the world’s first sixth-generation fighter.“

Program Review and Selection of Boeing

Last year, the Biden administration’s Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall ordered a pause on the NGAD program. This was done to reassess its necessity and determine if modifications were needed to reflect recent warfighting advances. The subsequent review, conducted by think tanks and academia, evaluated potential conflicts with China. This concluded that the program remained essential.

The selection of Boeing followed an independent analysis by the Air Force. Officials noted that Boeing’s offer represented the “best overall value to the government.” This decision comes despite Boeing facing intense scrutiny from Trump over cost overruns and delays on the Air Force One program.

US Air Force One; Photo-redlegsfan21 Flickr; Wikimedia Commons

Criticism over the need for F-47

Some critics have questioned the necessity and cost of the program, particularly as the Pentagon continues struggling with full production of the F-35, which is expected to cost taxpayers more than $1.7 trillion over its lifespan.

Additionally, the future B-21 Raider stealth bomber will incorporate many similar cutting-edge technologies in advanced materials, AI, propulsion, and stealth capabilities.

Dan Grazier, director of the national security reform program at the Stimson Center, expressed scepticism about whether “another exquisite fighter jet is the right platform going forward,” particularly given the evolving nature of drone and space warfare in potential conflicts with China.

A separate Navy contract for its version of the NGAD fighter remains under competition between Northrop Grumman and Boeing.

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New Glimpse of China’s 6th-Gen Military Aircraft

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