## President Trump’s Announcement on Boeing’s NGAD Fighter Jet

**Date: WASHINGTON (AP) —** On Friday, President Donald Trump made a significant declaration regarding the future of the U.S. Air Force’s fighter jet program. He revealed that Boeing has been awarded the contract to develop the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) manned fighter jet. This new aircraft is designed to excel in stealth and penetration capabilities, far surpassing those of the current fleet, making it a crucial asset for the Pentagon as it prepares for potential military conflicts, particularly with nations such as China.

## Overview of NGAD’s Capabilities and Objectives

The Next Generation Air Dominance program seeks to create an advanced fighter jet that will act as a central hub or “quarterback” for a fleet of cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These drones will be specially developed to breach the sophisticated air defenses of adversaries like China, thereby enhancing the U.S. military’s operational capabilities in aerial warfare. The initial contract for the production of the Air Force version of the fighter jet is valued at approximately $20 billion.

During the announcement event held at the White House, alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force leaders, President Trump expressed enthusiasm, stating that this new fighter would be designated as the F-47.

## Military Perspectives on the Future of Aerial Warfare

General David Allvin, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, emphasized the significance of the NGAD program by stating, “We’re going to write the next generation of modern aerial warfare with this.” Defense Secretary Hegseth added that the future fleet is intended to convey a strong message to U.S. allies, assuring them of America’s steadfast commitment to global security.

Despite the palpable excitement surrounding the NGAD initiative, critics have raised concerns. The Pentagon continues to face challenges with the full production of its most advanced fighter jet, the F-35, which is projected to cost U.S. taxpayers upwards of $1.7 trillion throughout its lifetime. Furthermore, the anticipated B-21 Raider stealth bomber is expected to incorporate many of the same advanced technologies related to materials, artificial intelligence (AI), and propulsion capabilities as the new fighter jet.

### The Current State of Air Force Aircraft Production

As of now, over 1,100 units of the F-35 fighter jets have already been constructed for both U.S. forces and international allies. There are also plans for a fleet of around 100 new B-21 stealth bombers, which will have a projected total expenditure of at least $130 billion, and the initial B-21 aircraft are currently undergoing test flights.

### Market Analysts’ Concerns on Program Viability

In light of the evolving landscape of drone and space warfare, military procurement analyst Dan Grazier has questioned the practicality of developing another manned fighter jet. Grazier, who serves as the director of the national security reform program at the Stimson Center, noted that the initial $20 billion contract is merely “seed money” with total costs potentially rising into the hundreds of billions of dollars.

The precise design and features of the new NGAD fighter remain largely undisclosed to the public; however, initial prototypes have reportedly been undergoing test flights over the past five years. Notably, early renders presented by manufacturers such as Lockheed Martin and Boeing illustrate a flat, tail-less aircraft featuring a pointed nose.

### Contract Award Decision Process

Boeing’s selection for the NGAD contract comes after significant scrutiny regarding its performance on other projects, particularly the Air Force One program, which has faced extensive delays and budget overruns. According to an official speaking privately, the independent analysis conducted by the Air Force concluded that Boeing’s proposal delivered the “best overall value to the government.”

While the Air Force has yet to announce the total number of aircraft to be produced under this program, General Allvin has stated that production of the F-47 will exceed the number of F-22 jets currently in service, which is approximately 180 units.

### Ongoing Competition for Navy Contract

In addition to the Air Force’s efforts, a separate contract related to the Navy’s version of the NGAD fighter is still under competitive review, with both Northrop Grumman and Boeing vying for the opportunity.

### Prior Assessments and Future Considerations

Last year, during the Biden administration, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall ordered a comprehensive review of the NGAD program to determine its relevance and necessity in the current security environment. This analysis sought to evaluate potential conflict scenarios with China, considering both the presence and absence of the NGAD initiative. The conclusion drawn from this assessment confirmed the ongoing need for the NGAD program.

Kendall subsequently deferred the decision on which firm would ultimately be responsible for the fighter jet’s construction to the incoming Trump administration, as relayed by a defense official who requested anonymity to discuss the sensitive decision-making process.

### Future Performance Expectations

The NGAD fighter jet is anticipated to offer “an entirely different level of low observability” compared to previous models. Additionally, the aircraft is expected to possess a significantly extended operational range compared to the F-35 and other current fighter jets, resulting in decreased refueling requirements during missions. Plans are also in motion for a future unmanned variant of the NGAD, as the Pentagon continues to advance the capabilities of artificial intelligence integrated into these aircraft.

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