Boeing secured a huge win over Lockheed Martin as President Donald Trump announced that the company will build the F-47, the United States’ newest fighter jet. The decision followed an intense competition, with both aerospace giants competing for one of the most significant defense contracts in years.
The F-47 is part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, an initiative aimed at advancing U.S. air combat capabilities. This aircraft will replace the F-22 Raptor and is designed to work alongside unmanned drones. It is expected to feature advanced stealth technology, next-generation sensors, and powerful new engines.
White House Announcement Gives Boeing a Boost
Trump made the announcement from the White House, calling Boeing’s victory a key step toward strengthening America’s air superiority. The news sent Boeing’s stock surging by 5%, while Lockheed Martin’s shares fell nearly 6%. This contract serves as a much-needed boost for Boeing, which has struggled in both its commercial and defense divisions in recent years.
“This is a tremendous win for Boeing and for America,” Trump stated. “The F-47 will be the most advanced fighter jet in history, ensuring our military remains unmatched.”
Boeing’s selection is expected to inject fresh energy into its fighter jet production in St. Louis, where the company has seen slowdowns in recent years. With this new contract, Boeing will once again become a central player in the development of next-generation military aircraft.
Billions of Dollars at Stake
The initial development contract is valued at over $20 billion. However, follow-up orders and production deals could push the total amount into the hundreds of billions over the coming decades. The NGAD program aims to create a complete air combat system capable of countering threats from China and Russia, making it a top priority for the U.S. Department of Defense.
The F-47 will serve as the core aircraft in this system, designed to operate seamlessly with drones and other unmanned platforms. Military officials believe this combination of manned and unmanned aircraft will define the future of aerial combat.
“This program isn’t just about one fighter jet,” an Air Force official explained. “It’s about creating an ecosystem of advanced aircraft that work together to ensure air superiority.”
Boeing’s success in securing this contract also signals a shift in Pentagon strategy, as Lockheed Martin had previously dominated the military aircraft industry with its F-35 and F-22 programs. This decision demonstrates the military’s commitment to fostering competition and innovation in defense technology.
Lockheed Faces Another Major Setback
For Lockheed Martin, the loss of the NGAD contract is a significant blow. This marks the second major fighter jet program the company has lost in recent years. The U.S. Navy recently excluded Lockheed from a separate stealth aircraft competition, further diminishing its grip on the defense sector.
Lockheed had been the frontrunner for the NGAD contract for years, as the company’s F-22 and F-35 programs had already established its expertise in stealth fighters. However, Boeing’s proposal ultimately won favor with the Pentagon, possibly due to cost, technological advantages, or strategic considerations.
Elon Musk Questions Future of Crewed Fighter Jets
Meanwhile, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has voiced skepticism over the long-term viability of crewed fighter jets. He has repeatedly argued that autonomous drones will eventually replace traditional piloted aircraft, as they are cheaper, more efficient, and less risky in combat situations.
“Fighter jets with human pilots are becoming obsolete,” Musk said in a recent statement. “Drones and AI-powered weapons systems are the future of warfare.”
While Musk’s comments reflect a growing trend in defense technology, military officials emphasize that the NGAD program includes both crewed and uncrewed systems. They argue that advanced manned aircraft will still play a crucial role in air combat for the foreseeable future.
Legal Challenges Unlikely Despite Lockheed’s Loss
Lockheed Martin could file a formal protest against the decision, challenging the contract award process. However, Trump’s high-profile announcement from the White House may discourage any legal action. The public nature of the reveal adds political pressure and makes it less likely that Lockheed will contest the results.
Industry analysts believe that while Lockheed will continue to push its own advanced aircraft projects, the company will need to reassess its strategies after back-to-back losses in major fighter jet competitions.
For now, Boeing celebrates a major victory, marking a turning point for its defense division. As the company moves forward with the F-47, the future of aerial combat is set to evolve with new technologies and innovative approaches to warfare.