Boeing secures deal to build new US fighter jet. Financial Express
President Donald Trump has given Boeing a massive contract to build the U.S. Air Force’s most advanced fighter jet, called the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) aircraft. This new jet, named the F-47, is expected to be the most powerful aircraft ever made.
Trump called the F-47 the "most lethal aircraft ever built." He also revealed that a version of it has been secretly flying for the past five years. The jet will replace Lockheed Martin’s F-22 and will work alongside unmanned drones in combat.
The contract’s exact value has not been disclosed, but this deal is a huge win for Boeing. The company has been facing slow sales in both its commercial and military divisions, along with recent safety concerns.
Highly Advanced and Secretive Design
The F-47 is classified as a “sixth-generation” aircraft, featuring advanced sensors, powerful engines, and cutting-edge stealth technology. Details about its design remain secret, but it is expected to be faster, more maneuverable, and capable of carrying heavier weapons than any previous jet.
During the White House announcement, an artistic rendering of the aircraft was displayed. However, only a small section, including the front landing gear, was shown.
“There’s never been anything even close to it, from speed to maneuverability, to what it can have, to payload,” Trump said.
He also pointed out the significance of the number 47, calling it a “beautiful number.” He noted that military officials picked the name. Trump himself is the 45th and 47th president of the United States.
A Setback for Lockheed Martin
This contract is a major loss for Boeing’s rival, Lockheed Martin. The company was recently eliminated from a separate competition to build a next-generation aircraft for the U.S. Navy.
Lockheed’s sales could also be affected by rising trade tensions between the U.S. and its allies. Some countries are reconsidering their purchase of Lockheed’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, which is one of the most widely used military aircraft.
Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has asked his defense minister to review the country’s purchase of the F-35. Meanwhile, Portugal’s outgoing defense minister has hinted that the country may rethink its plan to buy F-35s due to recent U.S. policy changes.
Each F-35 costs about $85 million, but with additional parts and maintenance, the total cost can reach $150 million. Around 1,100 F-35s have been built, and they are in service in 16 countries worldwide.
With some nations reconsidering their F-35 purchases, European aircraft manufacturers like Dassault and Saab might benefit. Although their jets lack the stealth capabilities of the F-35, they are becoming an alternative for countries looking to reduce their dependence on U.S. defense technology.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk, a close ally of Trump, has previously expressed doubts about manned fighter jets. He was at the Pentagon ahead of the F-47 announcement, reportedly discussing cost-cutting measures with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
