Trump Announces Boeing’s Contract for Future Fighter Jet Amid China Concerns
President Trump announced Boeing’s contract to build the F-47 fighter jet, part of the Next Generation Air Dominance program, vital for addressing threats from China. The initial contract is valued at $20 billion but faces criticism over costs and necessity amid ongoing F-35 challenges. The program aims to enhance stealth and operational capabilities, with future plans for unmanned versions.
In response to perceived threats from China, President Donald Trump has announced that Boeing has won the contract to develop the Air Force’s future fighter jet. The aircraft, part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative, is expected to possess advanced stealth and penetration capabilities that surpass those of the current fleet. This significant contract, worth approximately $20 billion, will facilitate the production of a manned fighter jet designated as the F-47, which is intended to coordinate with a fleet of drones designed to penetrate enemy air defenses.
The announcement, made at the White House alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Air Force leadership, highlighted the fighter jet’s role in modern aerial warfare. General David Allvin, the Air Force Chief of Staff, expressed confidence in the program, asserting, “We’re going to write the next generation of modern aerial warfare with this.” Hegseth indicated that the fleet’s development signals a firm commitment to U.S. allies.
Despite this optimism, there are growing concerns regarding the program’s cost and necessity, particularly in light of the Pentagon’s ongoing challenges with the F-35, which has a projected lifetime cost exceeding $1.7 trillion. Additionally, the forthcoming B-21 Raider stealth bomber, also featuring cutting-edge technologies, could potentially fulfill similar roles. Currently, over 1,100 F-35s have been produced, and an extensive fleet of B-21 bombers is planned at an estimated cost of $130 billion.
Military procurement analyst Dan Grazier has expressed skepticism about the need for another manned fighter aircraft, questioning whether it represents the optimal direction for modern warfare. He noted that the initial $20 billion investment is likely just a small fraction of the total future costs, which could reach hundreds of billions.
Details surrounding the design of the NGAD fighter remain limited; however, early prototypes have undergone test flights for the past five years. Initial renderings suggest a flat, tail-less design, which represents a departure from traditional aircraft shapes. Furthermore, a Navy variant of the NGAD fighter remains under competitive review between Boeing and Northrop Grumman.
Last year, former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall paused the NGAD program to reassess its relevance in light of advancements in warfare. An analysis concluded that the NGAD remains essential for future conflicts with China and left the decision on its contractor to the incoming Trump administration. The NGAD is expected to offer improved low observability and extended range compared to existing fighter jets, thereby enhancing operational efficiency through reduced refueling needs. Plans for an unmanned version of the jet are also in development as advancements in AI continue to evolve.
The announcement of Boeing’s contract to develop the F-47 as part of the Next Generation Air Dominance initiative emphasizes the U.S. military’s commitment to advanced aerial capabilities in the face of potential threats, particularly from China. Despite enthusiasm from leadership, concerns about the costs and the necessity of such a program persist. The future of aerial warfare may increasingly depend on advancements in drone technology and unmanned systems, prompting ongoing debate regarding the optimal direction for military investments.
Original Source: apnews.com
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