President Trump delivers ‘special announcement’
Trump revealed the Pentagon’s decision to proceed with the development of a next-generation fighter jet following a contract awarded to Boeing. This came just hours after Elon Musk’s meeting with Pentagon officials this morning. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also shared plans for operations in the Middle East next month. After these announcements, the president addressed questions from the press, which included discussions about initiating the process to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and other significant issues he is addressing.
Boeing is set to construct the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter jet for the U.S. Air Force, a model that the Pentagon claims will feature stealth and penetration capabilities surpassing those of the existing fleet.
President Donald Trump announced this in the Oval Office on Friday, joined by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
What is the F-47 NGAD?
What we know:
The F-47, known as the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD), is a manned aircraft designed to coordinate with a fleet of future drone vehicles capable of bypassing the air defenses of China and other potential adversaries. The initial contract for its production is valued at approximately $20 billion.
U.S. President Donald Trump addresses the nation in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, on Friday, March 21, 2025. Boeing Co. secured a contract to design and construct the United States’ next-generation fighter jet, outperforming rival Lockheed Martin Corp.
The NGAD will introduce “a whole new level of low observability,” as stated by an official to The Associated Press. Moreover, it will have a significantly longer range than the F-35 or any other current combat aircraft, allowing for less frequent refueling. Plans are also in place for an unmanned variant of NGAD as the Pentagon enhances its AI technologies for the craft, according to the official.
A separate Navy contract for its version of the NGAD fighter is still being contested between Northrop Grumman and Boeing.
What we don’t know:
There have been limited disclosures regarding the appearance of the new NGAD fighter; however, Trump mentioned that early prototypes have been undergoing test flights for the last five years. Designs proposed by both Lockheed Martin and Boeing have showcased a flat, tail-less aircraft with a pointed nose.
What they’re saying:
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin remarked, “We are going to redefine the future of modern aerial combat with this.”
Hegseth commented that the future fleet “conveys a very clear message to our allies that we’re here to stay.”
The other side:
Critics have raised concerns regarding the expense and necessity of the program as the Pentagon continues to face challenges in fully producing its current most advanced fighter, the F-35, expected to cost taxpayers over $1.7 trillion in its lifetime. Additionally, the upcoming stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider, will incorporate many of the same advanced technologies related to innovative materials, AI, propulsion, and stealth.
Over 1,100 F-35s have already been manufactured for the U.S. and several international partners.
What’s next:
A fleet composed of around 100 future B-21 stealth bombers, expected to total a cost of at least $130 billion, is also in the works. The first B-21 aircraft are currently undergoing test flights.
The Source: This report incorporates information from The Associated Press.
