President Trump recently announced that Boeing will be responsible for building the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation fighter jets, the F-47. This announcement came during a press conference in the Oval Office, where Trump described the new aircraft as having "unprecedented power" and claimed that America’s adversaries "will never see [them] coming."
The F-47 is part of a program known as the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD). While specific details about the jet’s design and capabilities remain largely undisclosed, Trump hinted that it would be "virtually unseeable" on radar, suggesting advanced stealth technology.
Although the exact cost of the project is not yet clear, early estimates indicate that development could exceed $20 billion, with the total price potentially reaching hundreds of billions. Trump stated that a significant order has already been placed, but he did not disclose the precise figures.
This announcement marks a significant victory for Boeing, which has faced several challenges in recent years, including issues related to the 737 Max and the KC-46 refueling tanker program. Following the news, Boeing’s stock rose by about 5%, while shares of its main competitor, Lockheed Martin, fell nearly 7%. Lockheed Martin manufactures the F-35, which is currently a key component of the Air Force’s combat capabilities but has faced criticism, including remarks from Elon Musk, who described it as "expensive & complex."
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized that the new fighter jets represent America’s commitment to leading in military aviation. He stated that the F-47 would send a strong message to allies about the U.S.’s ongoing military presence and capabilities.
The F-47 will be manufactured at Boeing’s facility in St. Louis, further solidifying the company’s role in the future of American military aviation.