Boeing’s choice to construct the U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter—now formally named the F-47—represents a turning point in American air force history. For several years, air dominance has hung in the balance of fifth-generation fighter aircraft such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. But changing worldwide threats and technological advances have called the Air Force to step boldly forward with a sixth-generation fighter, offering a new age of air dominance.
A Generational Leap
The F-47 is not only another fighter plane—it’s a giant step forward in design and functionality. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin called it a platform designed to “outpace, outmaneuver, and outmatch any adversary.” The aircraft prioritizes modularity, versatility, and sustainability. Its stealth capabilities are designed to be the best its predecessors have had, with low-maintenance surfaces and an open-systems architecture that enables quick upgrades in sensors, software, and mission-specific gear.
Air Force drawings indicate a jet that breaks from traditional stealth designs. The F-47 has a flattened fuselage, upward-tilting wings, and canards—elements not found on the F-22 or F-35. They are designed to optimize range, maneuverability, and survivability, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where operations of extended range are paramount. Officials have signaled two variants: one designed for the vast Pacific, and the other for shorter-range European missions.
Boeing Takes the NGAD Competition
The NGAD competition was a close one. Lockheed Martin, the F-22 and F-35 maker, lost by a hair, and Northrop Grumman had previously bowed out of the contest. Boeing’s victory is a good boost to the company, which has struggled with other defense contracts.
Steve Parker, the acting president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, noted that the company spent “the largest single investment in the history of our defense business” to prepare for the F-47 program.
Lockheed Martin, on the other hand, has gone the pragmatic route. Rather than challenging the decision, the company is shifting NGAD research efforts into the F-35 upgrade. CEO Jim Taiclet has put initiatives in motion to deliver “80% of sixth-generation capability at 50% of the cost” by combining advanced materials, sensor fusion, and countermeasures from NGAD to transform the F-35 into a budget-friendly “5th generation plus” option for U.S. military units and allies.
Strategic Implications
The F-47 project is not just a new fighter—it’s changing the way the United States is fighting in the air. The aircraft is designed to operate in concert with a grid of unmanned systems, including Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), that extend and enhance the reach of the fighter. This way of operating keeps the U.S. ahead of potential competitors, including China, which is still developing advanced stealth planes and swarms of drones.
Budget concerns are also at the core of the program. F-22 experience, which made the jet too expensive since production was limited, has informed an aggressive plan for a larger and sustainable F-47 fleet.
The Air Force allocated $2.7 billion in its 2025 budget request for NGAD, with projected spending of $19.6 billion over five years. Total cost to develop is expected to be over $20 billion, with the final program cost being hundreds of billions over the lifetime of the program.
Legacy Fighters Remain Critical
The F-22 and F-35 will also continue to serve along with the F-47. The F-22 is still an exceptional air superiority aircraft, and ongoing modernization efforts ensure that it stays relevant. The F-35, despite its complexity, will be modernized, which could well turn it into a formidable “5th generation plus” vehicle, offering many NGAD capabilities at a fraction of the price.
Looking Ahead
The F-47’s arrival marks a new era of U.S. airpower. Through the merging of cutting-edge manned fighters, unmanned drones, and premium digital technology, the Air Force is forging a future where agility, adaptability, and networked lethality make up dominance in the skies. As Gen. Allvin described it, the F-47 is “built to adapt,” placing American air superiority ahead of any potential competitor.