President Donald Trump has revealed that Boeing is set to build the Air Force's latest fighter jet, a development hailed as a significant leap forward in military technology.
Referred to as Next Generation Air Dominance or NGAD, it's touted by defense experts as a game-changer with unmatched stealth and penetrating prowess, a key asset against potential confrontations with nations like China. However, critics contend that this project could squander billions.
The state-of-the-art manned aircraft, along with its futuristic drone companions designed to penetrate tough enemy defenses, sits at the forefront of American air combat capabilities. The Air Force has sanctioned an initial contract valued at a hefty $20 billion for this progression.
Announcing the deal at the White House with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force brass in attendance, President Trump unveiled the plane's designation as the F-47.
Celebrating the milestone in aerial warfare, Gen. David Allvin, the Air Force's chief of staff, remarked, "We're going to write the next generation of modern aerial warfare with this.", reports the Mirror US.
Hegseth further highlighted the projection of strength and commitment to allies that the new fleet conveys, asserting, "sends a very clear, direct message to our allies that we're not going anywhere."
Despite the buzz, critics are questioning the hefty price tag and the actual need for such a program, particularly given the Pentagon's ongoing struggles with efficiently rolling out its most advanced jet to date, the F-3. That program is projected to cost taxpayers more than $1.7 trillion over its lifespan.
The Pentagon is also investing billions into the stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider, which is expected to incorporate many of the same cutting-edge technologies in materials, AI, propulsion, and stealth.
Over 1,100 F-35s have already been built for the U.S. and various international partners.
Plans are also underway for a fleet of approximately 100 future B-21 stealth bombers, with an estimated total cost of at least $130 billion. The first B-21 aircraft are currently undergoing test flights.
Dan Grazier, a military procurement analyst, questions whether "another exquisite manned fighter jet really is the right platform going forward."
This comes in light of the evolving drone and space warfare that is likely to be central in any conflict with China. Grazier, who is the director of the national security reform program at the Stimson Center, stated that $20 billion is "just seed money. The total costs coming down the road will be hundreds of billions of dollars."
Details about the new NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance) fighter are scarce, although former President Trump hinted that prototype flights have been happening for around five years. Artist impressions from Lockheed Martin and Boeing show a sleek design featuring a flat, tailless body with an angular nose.
An anonymous Air Force official revealed that Boeing clinched the contract following an independent evaluation. This was despite former President Trump's criticism of Boeing over expenses and delays with the Air Force One project.
The companys proposal was still considered "best overall value to the government," said the source.
A recent statement from the US Air Force noted that while the specific number of F-47s to be manufactured hasn't been declared, Gen. Allvin gave assurance it would exceed the number of its precursors, the F-22 Raptors, of which there are presently roughly 180 in service.
The choice of the F-47 designation has significance, the Air Force elaborated, saying: "It honors the legacy of the P-47, whose contributions to air superiority during World War II remain historic. Additionally, the number pays tribute to the founding year of the Air Force, while also recognizing the 47th President's pivotal support for the development of the world's first sixth-generation fighter."
Meanwhile, the Navy continues to assess proposals from Northrop Grumman and Boeing for their take on the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter.
Beneath the latest news, there's a significant 2021 move by the Biden administration, with Air Force secretary Frank Kendall at the helm. Kendall put the NGAD program on hold to re-evaluate its relevance in light of recent advancements in modern warfare since its initial design phase in 2018.
Think tanks and academic bodies conducted a thorough examination, simulating potential conflict scenarios with China both with and without NGAD capabilities. The studies confirmed the importance of the NGAD fighter.
However, it will be the Trump administration that inherits the decision-making for the contract, according to a defense official who wished to remain anonymous while discussing internal discussions.
The NGAD is expected to bring "an entirely different level of low observability," as per the same official, along with significantly increased range compared to the F-35 and other current fighter jets, which would reduce the need for refueling. Additionally, there are plans underway to create an unmanned version of the NGAD, incorporating AI advancements into the aircraft's technology.
