Boeing will build the U.S. Air Force’s newest fighter jet, a top-secret aircraft called the F-47.
President Donald Trump announced the news on Friday at the White House. The jet is part of a special program called Next Generation Air Dominance, which aims to create a powerful new plane that can fly farther, stay hidden from enemies, and work together with drones during future battles.
It’s designed to fly deep into enemy territory, even past strong defences, and could play a major role in future conflicts, especially with countries like China. The first contract for the plane is worth about $20 billion.
Air Force leaders say the F-47 will lead a new era of aerial combat. It’s expected to be even more advanced than today’s top jets, like the F-35. Although few details are public, early designs show a sleek, tail-less plane with special stealth features.
Some people worry about the cost. The F-35 program has already cost over $1.7 trillion, and the Air Force is also building a new stealth bomber, the B-21, which will cost more than $130 billion. Experts say the full cost of the F-47 program could grow much larger over time.
Even so, the Air Force believes this jet is necessary for the future. It will likely fly farther than today’s planes and use artificial intelligence to help pilots. A version without a pilot is also in the works.
The name “F-47” honors the P-47 from World War II and the founding of the U.S. Air Force in 1947.
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