The arrival of the F-47, introduced by Donald Trump as the “most lethal combat aircraft ever built,” marks a turning point in the history of U.S. military aviation. The sixth-generation fighter jet will be developed by Boeing under a multibillion-dollar contract directly awarded by the Trump administration.
From the legacy of yesterday to the future of combat, your @USAirForce will continue to own the skies with the world’s first 6th-generation fighter jet: the F-47. pic.twitter.com/TcFHEdEbGq
— General David Allvin (@OfficialCSAF) March 21, 2025
What is the F-47 jet and what makes it special?
The F-47 is part of the Next Generation Air Dominance program, designed to replace the iconic F-22 from Lockheed Martin, and incorporates groundbreaking features such as hypersonic speed, advanced stealth capability, and never-before-seen sensor systems. According to Trump, the jet “has been flying secretly for the last five years,” reaching an unprecedented level of technological maturity.
Boeing, which had recently faced financial challenges due to slowdowns in commercial and military sales and technical difficulties with some of its best-known aircraft, receives a crucial boost with this contract.
The selection of Boeing represents a setback for Lockheed Martin, manufacturer of the F-35, whose international popularity now appears at risk due to commercial disputes.
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Why is the F-47 considered a sixth-generation aircraft?
Sixth-generation technology includes futuristic features such as integrated artificial intelligence, autonomous flight alongside unmanned drones, and advanced cyber defense capabilities. In addition, its stealth design significantly surpasses that of previous aircraft, making it virtually undetectable by enemy radar.
During the presentation, Trump emphasized that there has never been an aircraft like the F-47, referencing its speed, maneuverability, and payload capacity. Interestingly, he chose the number “47” as a “beautiful number,” due to its personal significance as the 45th and 47th President of the United States.
Although some details remain classified, Trump confirmed that the F-47 will enter operational service during his presidency, suggesting a significant acceleration compared to previous programs. This is primarily due to the aircraft already having logged hundreds of hours in secret experimental test flights (X-planes).
How much will the F-47 cost?
While the exact cost of the contract has not been disclosed, Trump stated that the F-47 will be cheaper than the current F-22 and more adaptable to future threats. This also implies that the U.S. will be able to deploy more F-47 units compared to its predecessor.
The arrival of the F-47 directly impacts the commercial future of the F-35, whose unit price ranges between $85 million and $150 million. Allied countries such as Canada and Portugal have expressed doubts about continuing to purchase the aircraft due to rising commercial and political tensions with the Trump administration.
F-47 and global defense
The introduction of the F-47 represents a new era in American air power, strengthening the country’s ability to respond to global threats more effectively and rapidly. The Pentagon stated that this aircraft will ensure U.S. air superiority for decades, sending a clear message of strength to its adversaries.
The Air Force also released a statement: “With the F-47, we are not just building another fighter jet: we are shaping the future of warfare and putting our enemies on notice. This platform will be the most advanced, lethal, and adaptable fighter ever developed, designed to outperform any adversary in speed, maneuverability, and power.”
“Despite what our adversaries may claim, the F-47 is truly the first manned sixth-generation fighter in the world, built to dominate the most capable threats and operate in the most dangerous threat environments imaginable,” the United States Air Force stated.
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