President Trump surprised the entire world and ended eight months of speculation on the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) project on March 21, 2025 by awarding the contract for F-47 sixth-generation fighter to Boeing. This was a big win for Boeing and a major setback for Lockheed Martin. Elon Musk, known for his closeness with President Trump, in November 2024 wrote on 'X', "Manned fighter jets are obsolete in the age of drones anyway. Will just get pilots killed". The F-47 will be a crewed fighter, highlighting the importance of the man in loop and confidence President Trump reposed in the recommendations of USAF. President Trump praising the F-47 said "It's something the likes of which nobody has ever seen before".

F-47 is the world's first sixth generation fighter. Both Boeing and Lockheed Martin developed X-planes which secretly flew hundreds of sorties over last five years. The aircraft has been exhaustively tested and refined. Unlike the Chinese J-36, which has been in the news ever since its first test flight, very little was known about the NGAD development except that USAF had flown something in 2022.

The NGAD plan includes development and integration of F-47, Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) and Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP).

NGAD is a system of systems approach which includes F-47 as the sixth-generation fighter and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones for MUM-T, with multi spectral warfare capabilities, Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST), advanced radars, missiles with multi-mode seekers, electronic warfare systems, networked battle management suites, adaptive engines and broad band low observability.

The NGAD plan includes development and integration of F-47, Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) and Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP). The research, development, test and evaluation funding requested by USAF is $20 billion for F-47, $8.9 billion for CCA and $7 billion for NGAP.

Sixth-Generation Fighter Aircraft

While there is no watertight definition of a sixth-generation fighter aircraft. Some attributes distinctly separate it from the earlier generations, many characteristics are enhancements of fifth-generation aircraft technologies. The aircraft will be optimised to tackle Anti Access/ Area Denial strategy. The broad attributes are as follows.

All the three US defence majors, Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin competed for this project. However, Northrop Grumman withdrew in 2023

• The aircraft will have advanced stealth capabilities. While fifth-generation aircraft were designed for low observability the sixth-generation aircraft will be Very Low Observable (VLO) to survive highly advanced, deeply networked and dense Integrated Air Defences (IADs).
• The aircraft will have broad spectrum stealth to minimise detection by radar across wide range of frequencies. Artificial Intelligence will be incorporated to ensure discreet use of RF spectrum to avoid detection by passive sensors. It will carry advanced electronic warfare systems to tackle multiple threats simultaneously.
• The aircraft would be primarily built with composites and additives to fly under extreme environmental conditions. The aircraft will be designed to fly at higher altitudes and higher speeds. These materials will also reduce the aircraft's thermal signature.
• The aircraft will be based on open architecture, will be scalable and allow future software and hardware upgrades. It will possess multi-role capability, with facility to integrate present and future weapons systems.

Boeing invested heavily in its developmental arm the "Phantom Works" for this project. Award of F-47 contract will provide a huge boost to Boeing Defense.

• The aircraft will have advanced data handling, 6G communications speed, augmented reality cockpit with all information displayed virtually on pilot's helmet and a distributed aperture system to provide the pilot a 360-degree view around the aircraft.
• The aircraft would be able to act as an airborne command post in dense integrated AD environment using highly evolved sensor fusion and Artificial Intelligence. It would be capable of manned-unmanned teaming and could be optionally manned or unmanned. The aircraft will simultaneously control multiple manned and unmanned platforms to provide a force multiplier effect. This would necessitate amalgamation of high degree of automation and autonomy.
• The aircraft will have high electrical and cooling requirements. It will need to super cruise, necessitating an adaptive propulsion engine.
• Sixth-generation aircraft will be configured with Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) to reduce its dependence on conventional weapons which are carried in limited number due space constraints. The DEW will also augment long range weapons for counter space capability.

NGAD Competition

The efforts to find a suitable successor for F-22, were initiated almost a decade ago. USAF leveraged DARPA's work on "family of systems" for future air superiority of 2014. The programme was initially referred to as Penetrating Counter Air (PCA) which later evolved into NGAD.

The sixth-generation fighter was planned to be complemented by multiple advanced manned aircraft, unmanned CCAs and advanced command, control and communication systems. All the three US defence majors, Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin competed for this project. However, Northrop Grumman withdrew in 2023 perhaps to focus on B-21 stealth bomber.

Both Lockheed Martin and Boeing produced X-planes. At least three such planes flew hundreds of sorties over the last five years. For Boeing this is the first true fighter aircraft from its stables since both F-15 and F-18 were originally developed and produced by McDonnell Douglas which was later acquired by Boeing. Boeing invested heavily in its developmental arm the "Phantom Works" for this project. Award of F-47 contract will provide a huge boost to Boeing Defense.

The Air Force will have more F-47s than the current fleet of 180 F-22s. At least 200 to 400 aircraft are therefore, likely to be ordered considering deployment in the vast Indo-Pacific region. The cost per aircraft may come down further with export to closest allies

The contract for F-47 is estimated to be worth $20 billion for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development. The approximate cost per aircraft is likely to be around $160-180 million. While initial estimates were around $300 million per aircraft, the USAF Chief of Staff General David Allvin said that "the F-47 will cost less and be more adaptable to future threats." Furthermore, the Air Force will have more F-47s than the current fleet of 180 F-22s. At least 200 to 400 aircraft are therefore, likely to be ordered considering deployment in the vast Indo-Pacific region. The cost per aircraft may come down further with export to closest allies as was alluded to by the President.

Characteristics and Capabilities

Initial representations and images of the aircraft displayed during the White House briefing and consequently, have generated a lot of debate and speculations, especially on the size, shape and canard configuration. The F-47 is a tailless aircraft with a broad nose, dihedral highly swept back wings and canards. The image also displays a relatively large canopy and a single nose-wheel. The aircraft would be highly maneuverable with max speed of over Mach 2.0 as alluded by Gen. Allvin, when he said that "this platform will be the most advanced, lethal, and adaptable fighter ever developed – designed to outpace, outmaneuver, and outmatch any adversary."

While F-22 and F-35 have a range of around 3,000 kms and 2.300 kms, the F-47 will be optimised for the Indo-Pacific theatre for longer ranges.

The canards are similar to McDonnell Douglas X-36 sub scale demonstrator of 1990s. Canards enhance maneuverability, however, their movement compromises RCS and stealth characteristics of the aircraft. Use of canards on the J-20 by China was viewed as an engineering mistake by many for a fifth-generation fighter. However, in case the F-47 does include canards in its final configuration, then, are we looking at close maneuvering fight between two future stealth platforms? Or, perhaps the fly by wire control logic would be programmed to allow canard operations only during certain specific conditions of flight. Another possibility is of locking the canards when not required and use thrust vectoring for maneuverability. It is also possible that the operational configuration of the aircraft may not have the canards since many more iterations would be gone through before it becomes operational in late 2029/2030.

While F-22 and F-35 have a range of around 3,000 kms and 2.300 kms, the F-47 will be optimised for the Indo-Pacific theatre for longer ranges. This could be achieved with its size limitations by lower integral weapon load, but with DEW capability which offers unlimited shots. Its overall offensive capability will be augmented by the manned and unmanned CCAs carrying large payloads. The aircraft would be able to operate from austere airfields with basic infrastructure. This would mean reduced maintenance requirements and robust design to operate in tropical environments. As General Allvin said, "the new fighter will have a "significantly longer range, more advanced stealth, be more sustainable, supportable, and have higher availability than our fifth-generation fighters." It will also take "significantly less manpower and infrastructure to deploy." USAF has recently awarded Boeing another contract of $18.2 million to mature autonomous refueling, which would mean integrating unmanned air to air refueling systems to fulfil aerial refueling requirements of F-47.

General Electric (XA102) and Pratt and Whitney (XA103) are developing the next generation adaptive variable cycle engine under the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) programme

General Electric (XA102) and Pratt and Whitney (XA103) are developing the next generation adaptive variable cycle engine under the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) programme with an initial funding of $3.5 billion each. The engine features, three-stream architecture that increases bypass air flow in cruise mode to reduce fuel consumption or provide more power for rapid acceleration and while using the DEW. The number of engines is presently, not known, however, a twin-engine configuration would be more suitable to execute long range missions over Indo-Pacific. The new engines would feature thrust vectoring for maneuverability.

Anduril (YFQ-42A) and General Atomics (YFQ-44A) have been chosen to provide the CCA for the crewed F-47. Interestingly, these CCA have been assigned the fighter designation, which means that the CCAs will carry most technologies and capabilities of a sixth-generation platform allowing them to undertake ISR, electronic warfare and targeting functions, thus providing force multiplier effect.

Impact of F-47 on Other Sixth Generation Fighter Programmes

The prompt approval of F-47 by President Trump signifies the importance of manned fighters in foreseeable future and the urgency to safeguard US leadership in aerospace technologies. Test flights of J-36 may also have prompted this decision. The tight development and production schedule also indicates the urgency in pentagon to stay well ahead of China. F-47 is hence, the first sixth generation fighter in the world.

Anduril (YFQ-42A) and General Atomics (YFQ-44A) have been chosen to provide the CCA for the crewed F-47

China surprised the world by flying two prototypes of next generation fighters christened J-36 and J-50 on December 26, 2024. J-36 is believed to have flown multiple times since its first flight. The aircraft has some unique features like three engine design and a diamond shape with no vertical control surfaces and large size for long range and carriage of heavy weapon load. Aircraft seems too big to be agile for air dominance role.

Future Combat Air System (FCAS) is a joint venture between France, Germany and Spain. It is conceptually similar to the NGAD programme. The first prototype is likely to fly in 2027 with induction after 2035.

Global Combat Air programme (GCAP) is a joint venture between UK, Italy and Japan. After souring of relations between USA and Canada in recent times, the UK is actively wooing Canada to join the programme. This aircraft is also likely to become operational after 2035.

The tight development and production schedule also indicates the urgency in pentagon to stay well ahead of China. F-47 is hence, the first sixth generation fighter in the world.

Both the GCAP and FCAS face two major challenges. Firstly, congruity in deciding the capabilities of the aircraft and other systems and secondly, funding challenges due to progressively increasing costs due to requirement in limited numbers by member countries. Developing an engine for these aircraft would be another expensive proposition. The motivating factors for these programmes have been the disruptive and confrontationist approach of President Trump by his actions in NATO and Europe, especially on ending Ukraine-Russia war and tariffs. The bigger compulsion however, would be to sustain the aerospace ecosystem of Europe by developing the sixth-generation fighter. President Trump's policies and the weight of economics of the two programmes could eventually bring GCAP and FCAS together to leverage collective expertise and achieve lower costs through economy of scale. In fact, some more nations could join to make the programme more attractive.

Conclusion

President Trump's approval for Boeing to produce the F-47 is a major win for the aerospace giant and a clear signal to China that USA will not forgo its leadership in aerospace technologies. It also signifies the importance of aerospace power in future conflicts. F-47 thus, becomes the first publicly declared sixth generation fighter of the world. It is a huge victory for Boeing and an acknowledgement of the risk its research wing "Phantom Works" took in designing the F-47.

President Trump's approval for Boeing to produce the F-47 is a major win for the aerospace giant and a clear signal to China that USA will not forgo its leadership in aerospace technologies.

The tight production schedule indicates maturity of design and establishment of supply chains and synergy between diverse agencies developing F-47, CCA and NGAP, to achieve operationalisation of NGAD by 2030. The details of F-47 have been deliberately kept hazy and USAF would be happy to let the world speculate as the aircraft undergoes iterative development and refinement to achieve its desired air dominance capability. F-47 provides a lot of food for thought to the aviation geeks across the world, and a lot to think for the research and development community in aerospace domain. The NGAD thus fulfils multiple requirements of stealth, range, large load outs and maneuverability through clever use of technology and perfect synergy between operational capability and technology.