The U.S. Air Force has chosen Boeing to build its next-generation fighter jet, known as the F-47 NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance).
The ‘Next Generation Air Dominance’ (NGAD) sixth-generation combat aircraft program appears to be back on track. As per a Reuters report, Boeing has been awarded the contract to build the most advanced combat aircraft for the US Air Force (USAF).
This aircraft is expected to be the most advanced combat jet ever made. The contract, worth more than $20 billion, was awarded despite previous delays due to budget issues.
Boeing Wins Contract for Next-Gen Fighter
After the contract announcement, Boeing’s stock price rose by 5%, while Lockheed Martin’s stock dropped by 6%. Lockheed, known for making the F-22 and F-35, was Boeing’s main competitor for this project.
This decision marks a major moment for Boeing, as it secures one of the most important military projects in recent years. The Air Force plans to deploy the new sixth-generation fighter within the next decade. It will replace older fighter jets like the F-22 Raptor, which has been in service since the early 2000s.
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How Boeing Beat Lockheed
The U.S. Air Force began its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program over a decade ago. The goal was to create a new air superiority fighter to maintain U.S. dominance in the skies. Three major companies—Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman—built prototype aircraft to compete for the contract.
The Air Force officially requested proposals for the NGAD fighter in 2023. By then, Northrop Grumman had withdrawn from the competition, leaving only Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
The competition was intense. Lockheed Martin, the maker of the F-35 Lightning II, was considered a strong contender. However, Boeing managed to win the contract, a significant success given that it had lost to Lockheed in the past.
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Boeing’s victory also comes at a crucial time for the company, which has faced financial troubles and technical setbacks in recent years. Winning the NGAD contract could help restore confidence in its defense capabilities.
The Importance of the NGAD Fighter
The NGAD program is not just about building a single fighter jet. It is part of a broader plan to revolutionize aerial combat. The new F-47 fighter will be designed to work alongside autonomous drones, creating a powerful manned-unmanned teaming (MUMT) system.
Unlike older aircraft, the F-47 will be built for stealth, speed, and advanced technology. It will have improved sensors, communication systems, and electronic warfare capabilities. The Air Force expects this aircraft to operate in highly contested airspaces where enemy defenses are strong.
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Initially, the NGAD program faced delays and funding concerns. The cost of developing and building the new aircraft is extremely high. Each F-47 NGAD fighter is expected to cost between $250 million and $300 million, nearly three times more expensive than the F-35.
Despite these concerns, the Air Force decided to proceed with the program, believing that a next-generation fighter is necessary for national security.
U.S. Air Force Moves Forward Despite Challenges
The F-47 NGAD fighter will be a crucial part of the Air Force’s future fleet. However, its development has not been easy. The Air Force had to pause the program in July 2024 to reconsider its costs and strategy. Some experts suggested investing in drones or multiple smaller aircraft instead of a single expensive fighter.
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After months of internal reviews, the Air Force confirmed that the NGAD fighter was essential. In its 2025 budget, the military allocated nearly $20 billion for the program over the next five years.
The decision to move forward comes at a time when China has been rapidly advancing its air combat capabilities. In recent months, China has tested its own sixth-generation fighter prototypes, raising concerns about U.S. air superiority.
With the contract now awarded to Boeing, the Air Force is set to begin full-scale development of the F-47 NGAD fighter. This marks a significant step in maintaining U.S. dominance in the skies for the future.
