US Begins Production of Next-Generation F-47 Fighter Jet
The United States has commenced production of the sixth-generation F-47 fighter aircraft, with its first flight anticipated by 2028. The announcement was made by U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General David Allvin at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference in Washington on September 23, 2025.
Boeing, selected under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, is manufacturing the aircraft to succeed the F-22 Raptor. General Allvin noted that after years of research, hundreds of testing hours, and thousands of human effort hours, Boeing began building the first unit a few months ago. "We need to move forward quickly," he said, adding, "The team's goal is to have this aircraft in the air by 2028. We are ready, and we must continue working at a fast pace."
The development aligns with a March 2025 directive from President Donald Trump, who revealed that experimental F-47 prototypes had been flying secretly since 2019. The U.S. Air Force expects the initial flight before the end of Trump's current term in January 2029.
The F-47 incorporates supersonic speed, advanced stealth capabilities, AI-driven weaponry, and integration with unmanned systems for network-centric warfare. Funding has been approved, with additional investments planned for the next fiscal year.
This step follows China's military parade three weeks ago, where it displayed advanced fighter jets and hypersonic missiles. Analysts view the U.S. move as part of ongoing efforts to maintain air superiority amid global competition.
