Boeing has officially embarked on the construction of the first F-47 fighter jet, marking a significant development in the U.S. Air Force’s efforts to achieve air superiority. During his keynote address at the Air and Space Forces’ Air, Space and Cyber Conference in Maryland, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General David Allvin announced that the aircraft is projected to make its maiden flight by 2028.
This development follows a March announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that Boeing has been awarded the contract for the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) platform—tasking them with the creation of the sixth-generation fighter. The Air Force plans to establish a fleet of at least 185 F-47s, aimed at succeeding the F-22 Raptor.
The F-47 is designed to enhance air superiority through cutting-edge stealth technology and the ability to operate in conjunction with collaborative combat aircraft, commonly referred to as “loyal wingmen.” While many technical specifications remain classified, some performance metrics have been disclosed. Officials have reported that the F-47 will possess a combat radius exceeding 1,000 nautical miles—equivalent to about 1,852 kilometers or 1,151 miles—and capabilities to exceed speeds of Mach 2, as highlighted in an official graphic released in May.
However, the ambitious timeline for the F-47 has raised eyebrows among defense analysts and government officials. Some critics have voiced concerns about the feasibility of completing the project on schedule, particularly given delays in the development of the next-generation engine. Originally expected to be finalized by 2027, the prototype’s readiness has now been postponed to mid-fiscal 2030, primarily due to supply chain disruptions.
A report from the Congressional Research Service in November 2024 also brought attention to financial hurdles, questioning whether the Air Force could manage the financial demands of developing the NGAD while simultaneously advancing other major programs such as the B-21 Raider bomber and the Minuteman III ICBM replacement.
Despite these concerns, General Allvin remains resolute in the Air Force’s commitment to speed and modernization in achieving air dominance, especially in light of China’s advancements in sixth-generation fighter technology. “We’re ready to go fast. We have to go fast,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of moving quickly in a rapidly evolving defense landscape.
Allvin further noted that as the Air Force looks ahead to the development of next-generation capabilities, it is essential not to become overly fixated on individual platforms. “It’s not just the weapons and the weapon systems. We’ve got to understand systems over platform. It’s the things that link them together that makes it work,” he stated, indicating a comprehensive approach toward future defense technology.
The development of the F-47 fighter signals a crucial milestone in the ongoing effort to maintain U.S. air superiority in an increasingly competitive global environment.
