US President Donald Trump has officially announced that Boeing will be the primary contractor for the United States Air Force’s new fighter jet, aimed at enhancing the military’s capabilities against potential adversaries, particularly China. The fighter jet, known as the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD), is expected to have advanced stealth and penetration abilities, surpassing the existing fleet.
The initial production contract, estimated at $US20 billion (approximately $AU31 billion), will kickstart the development of a manned aircraft that will coordinate a future fleet of drones equipped to breach enemy air defences. During the announcement at the White House, Trump revealed the jet would be named the F-47. General David Allvin, the Air Force Chief of Staff, stated that this aircraft would define the future of aerial warfare, while Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasised its significance as a strong signal to allies of the US’s commitment to global security.
Despite the ambitious plans, the project faces scrutiny over its costs, especially given the ongoing challenges associated with the F-35 programme, which is projected to cost taxpayers more than $AU2.8 trillion throughout its operational life. Furthermore, the B-21 Raider, also being developed by the Pentagon, is set to incorporate many of the same advanced technologies as the NGAD, such as artificial intelligence and cutting-edge materials.
Currently, over 1,100 F-35s have been manufactured for the US and its allies, while plans are in place for around 100 B-21 stealth bombers with an estimated cost of at least $207 billion. Analyst Dan Grazier has raised concerns about the necessity of developing another manned fighter jet, arguing that the evolving landscape of warfare, involving drones and space, may render the F-47 less relevant. He cautioned that the $31 billion is just a starting point, with the total expenditure expected to escalate into the hundreds of billions.
Details about the NGAD’s design remain scarce, although early versions have reportedly been undergoing tests for the past five years, showcasing a flat, tailless configuration with a pointed nose in official renderings. The Air Force’s selection of Boeing followed a comprehensive independent analysis, which deemed their proposal as the most advantageous for the government.
While the exact number of F-47s to be produced hasn’t been disclosed, Allvin suggested that their quantity will exceed that of the F-22s, which currently number around 180. Competing bids for the Navy’s version of the NGAD remain open among Northrop Grumman and Boeing.
Previously, the Biden administration had initiated a review of the NGAD programme to assess its relevance amidst recent advances in warfare technology, concluding its necessity going forward. The NGAD is expected to deliver significantly improved stealth capabilities and operational range compared to existing fighters, with plans for an unmanned variant as AI technology continues to evolve.