ARLINGTON, Va.—President Donald J Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on March 21 in the Oval Office that Boeing was awarded the contract to design, build and deliver the world’s first sixth generation fighter jet, the F-47, for the United States Air Force.
“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,” said President Trump. “Nothing in the world comes even close to it, and it’ll be known as the F-47.”
Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Platform will usher in a new generation of United States fighter jets that brings leap-ahead capability in range, survivability, lethality and adaptability. The NGAD Platform is the central node in the NGAD Family of Systems.
“This is a historic investment in the American military, in the American Industrial Base, that will help revive the warrior ethos inside our military, which we’re doing–rebuilding our military,” Hegseth said. “We know this is cheaper, longer range and more stealthy.”
For nearly a century, Boeing has produced many of the most advanced combat aircraft for military customers around the globe including the P-51 Mustang, F-4 Phantom, F-15 Eagle, F/A-18 Hornet and EA-18G Growler, among others. The NGAD selection builds on Boeing’s fighter legacy and establishes a new global standard for 6th generation capability.
“We recognize the importance of designing, building and delivering a 6th-generation fighter capability for the United States Air Force. In preparation for this mission, we made the most significant investment in the history of our defense business, and we are ready to provide the most advanced and innovative NGAD aircraft needed to support the mission,” said Steve Parker, interim president and chief executive officer, Boeing Defense, Space & Security.
The F-47 is expected to combat the growing Sino-threat in the Indo-Pacific region. The Engineering and Manufacturing Development contract for F-47 is expected to be worth approximately $20 billion, however hundreds of billions of dollars in orders is expected over the lifetime of production. Each F-47 is expected to cost approximately $300 million.
Production is expected at Boeing’s St. Louis, MO plant.
Further information on the NGAD Platform’s technical and programmatic details remain classified under United States national security and export laws.
A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
