In a landmark move that reshapes the future of American air power, the Department of the Air Force has awarded Boeing the coveted contract to develop the F-47, the world’s first sixth-generation fighter jet, under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.
President Donald J. Trump, speaking at a White House press briefing Monday, hailed the announcement as “a historic step for American military strength,” declaring that the F-47 will cement U.S. air superiority for decades.
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“I’m thrilled to announce that, at my direction, the United States Air Force is moving forward with the world’s first sixth-generation fighter jet,” Trump said. “Nothing in the world comes even close to it… America’s enemies will never see it coming.”
The F-47 will be the centerpiece of the Air Force’s NGAD Family of Systems, incorporating stealth technology, sensor fusion, long-range strike capability, and a modular, adaptable design for future upgrades. Officials say the aircraft will dramatically outpace current platforms, including the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.
“This is a historic investment in the American military and industrial base,” said Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. “The F-47 is cheaper, longer range, and more stealthy—built to dominate the skies for generations.”
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The announcement follows a strategic program pause in May 2024, during which the Air Force collaborated with industry partners and DARPA to mature critical technologies. Experimental X-planes have flown hundreds of hours, testing stealth, AI, and next-gen propulsion systems that paved the way for today’s contract.
The F-47 program stands out for its use of digital engineering techniques and government-owned open architecture, allowing for accelerated development and future technology integration.
“With the F-47, we’re not just building a jet—we’re building a flexible, lethal ecosystem,” said Gen. David Allvin, Air Force Chief of Staff. “This aircraft is the crown jewel of our air dominance strategy.”
The awarded contract funds the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase, which includes full systems integration, flight testing, and limited initial production. The Air Force will build a small number of test aircraft for evaluation before ramping up to low-rate production.
President Trump emphasized that the F-47 aligns with his broader vision of restoring American military strength.
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“Hopefully, these magnificent planes will be built and in the air during my administration,” Trump said. “We will ensure that the USA continues to dominate the skies.”
He also noted that much of the infrastructure needed for F-47 production is already in place, stating, “They’ve already built much of what has to be built—including the sheds.”
Defense officials say the F-47’s unveiling sends a clear message both to American allies and geopolitical rivals.
“Now we have the F-47, which sends a very direct message: We’re not going anywhere,” said Hegseth. “To our enemies, it says—we can, and we will project power around the globe, unimpeded.”
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While the EMD phase gets underway, future basing decisions, procurement timelines, and deployment strategies will be finalized in the coming years. The Air Force said it will continue leveraging lessons from X-plane programs to refine mission profiles and pilot integration.
“Air dominance is not a birthright,” Gen. Allvin concluded. “It’s something we earn. The F-47 is how we’ll keep that promise—to our airmen, to our allies, and to America.”
The F-47 is expected to enter service in the early 2030s, but with rapid development already in motion, officials say it may take flight far sooner.
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