Trump Unveils Boeing’s Groundbreaking Contract for Stealth Fighter Jet Amid Rising China Threat

On Friday, President Donald Trump announced that Boeing will create the Air Force’s new fighter jet. This jet, known as the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD), promises cutting-edge stealth capabilities that are crucial in potential conflicts, especially with China.

The NGAD jet, set to act as a hub for future drones, aims to breach air defenses against foes like China. The contract for the first production phase is estimated at $20 billion. During the announcement at the White House, Trump revealed that the fighter will be called the F-47.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin remarked that with this new jet, “We’re going to write the next generation of modern aerial warfare.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth added that the fleet would reassure allies about the U.S.’s commitment to defense.

However, not everyone is thrilled. Critics argue about the program’s high costs, especially since the Pentagon is still grappling with the F-35 jet program, which may total over $1.7 trillion in taxpayer expenses. There’s also concern because the upcoming B-21 Raider stealth bomber shares many similar technologies with the NGAD.

To date, over 1,100 F-35s have been produced for the U.S. and its partners. The Air Force is planning around 100 B-21 bombers, with a projected cost of at least $130 billion. These bombers have already started testing.

Dan Grazier, a military procurement analyst at the Stimson Center, questioned the need for another advanced manned fighter. He expressed concern over the significant funds, stating that the $20 billion is just an initial investment; the total costs could balloon into the hundreds of billions.

Details about the NGAD’s design are limited, but early prototypes have been in testing for five years. Boeing and Lockheed Martin have showcased designs that feature a flat, tail-less structure with a pointed nose.

Boeing was chosen for the project following a rigorous review process, despite recent discontent over the delays with Air Force One. An official indicated that Boeing’s bid was deemed the best value for the government.

While the Air Force hasn’t revealed the production numbers for the F-47, Allvin suggested they would exceed the 180 F-22 jets currently in service. The Navy is still deciding between Northrop Grumman and Boeing for its version of NGAD.

Last year, under the Biden administration, a pause was ordered on the NGAD program for evaluation. This review analyzed the future of combat with and without NGAD, concluding that the project remains vital. The decision on the contractor was eventually left to the Trump administration.

The NGAD is expected to revolutionize stealth technology and increase operational range, requiring less fuel than current jets. The Pentagon also envisions an unmanned version of the jet, which will incorporate advanced AI capabilities to further enhance its performance.

In recent years, military programs have faced scrutiny and debate about necessity and funding. As defense needs evolve, the discussions surrounding NGAD reflect a broader trend in military strategy and budget allocation, balancing innovation with economic feasibility.

Check out this related article: Trump Cuts Student Loan Programs and Special Education Services from Education Department: What This Means for You

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Donald Trump, China, Pete Hegseth, Military and defense, U.S. Department of Defense, General news, Drones, Frank Kendall, Government and politics, Dan Grazier, The Boeing Co., Business, David Allvin, Government programs, Washington news, Engineering, Politics