&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "$300m a plane: What makes the F-47 the costliest fighter jet yet? How fast will it be, and when will it fly?")
Boeing has begun production of the F-47, the United States Air Force’s new sixth-generation stealth fighter. The jet is part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programme, which also includes advanced drones, weapons, sensors, and electronic warfare systems. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin confirmed the update at the Air & Space Forces Association’s 2025 conference, saying the first flight is planned for 2028.
Why does it matter?
President Donald Trump announced in March that Boeing had won the competition to build the crewed fighter element of NGAD. Officials say the F-47 will ensure American air superiority well into the future. “All of the rest of the [NGAD] systems, along with the F-47, are going to ensure dominance. We’ve got to go fast … the team is committed to get the first one flying in 2028,” Gen. Allvin said.
How secret is the design?
So far, only two official renderings of the F-47 exist, and the Air Force has warned they may not fully reflect the real jet. Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink joked that Chinese intelligence analysts are likely studying the images closely but will “find nothing useful”. The jet is expected to feature all-aspect stealth, reduced infrared signature, and next-generation networking to control future drones.
Trending Stories
)
Activist claims rebels control 85% of Balochistan, fresh setback for Pakistan
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
iPhone 18 Pro could introduce a feature no iPhone has ever had
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
iPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro: Is it worth the upgrade?
)
PM Modi prevented nuclear attack on Ukraine in 2022? Poland minister makes BIG claims about Putin's plans, Indian PM's role
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian ejection seats pop up arm deflectors compared to US seats
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
B-2 is now a hypersonic missile launcher! Here is what a Mach 5 weapon dropped from a stealth bomber actually changes
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why does the B-52 bomber still use eight engines?
)
'Pirate state': Lula attacks Trump as Rubio's Hormuz remarks come back to haunt White House
)
Ukraine destroys Russia’s largest refinery as Hormuz crisis explodes| Putin threatens bigger strikes
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'First true AI-powered iPhone': How iPhone 18 Pro could bring the AI transformation Apple has been preparing for years
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Should you wait for the iPhone 18 Pro? Here's what leaks suggest
)
Aamir Khan reacts to 'love jihad' allegations: 'Gauri is not even Hindu'
)
Overuse of ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini could trigger a dementia crisis, experts say
)
Chinese passport, religious books: What police recovered from US national arrested near Indo-Nepal border
)
Video shows cargo ship that left India sinking in Strait of Hormuz, link with war unclear
)
11C in 6 minutes: 'Tsunami cloud' slams French beach, wind speeds touch 100 kmph
)
US nuclear fuel company counters BARC’s safety concerns over thorium fuel for reactors: More details inside
)
Oman's foreign minister says 'containing Iran' was a false narrative to militarise the Persian Gulf
)
Amid new US tariff threat, India moves to ban imports made using forced labour
)
FIFA 2026 | England 3-2 Argentina - How one of the most fiercest rivalries in World Cup developed over years
)
Woman arrested for sexually harassing men in Istanbul, is referred to a health facility. 'Why were the men outside?'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
B-2 bomber flew over North Korea! Here is exactly what that message was, who it was for and whether Kim Jong-Un listened
)
‘Fighting for children’s future’: Swara Bhasker visits Sonam Wangchuk amid hunger strike
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter jets leave exhaust pipes raw compared to US jets
)
'Hey Trump...': Iran invokes prophets in Biblical message to US as war resumes
)
Balochistan independence movement grows | Activist claims Pak has lost control over 85% territory
)
'Atithi devo bhava': Agra constable helps foreign tourist drape saree at Taj Mahal; heartwarming video goes viral | WATCH
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How does a B-2 bomber crew survive dropping a nuclear bomb? The escape manoeuvre that gives them 90 sec to live
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
The Odyssey New York premiere: Zendaya in winged dress, pregnant Anne Hathaway, and Matt Damon pose
)
Americans need to prove they are American citizens to visit a national park in US
)
Bihar man visits bank to withdraw Rs 1100, finds Rs 7596951951 in his account - What happened next
)
'Where is he?': US flags at half-mast day after Trump's sudden hospital visit sparks speculations: Real reason is...
)
Argentina's racism problem: How football chants reflect a deeper historical legacy
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why are the B-52 bomber's tyres different from those on most aircraft?
What will the F-47 be able to do?
According to the Air Force, the fighter will have:
• A combat radius over 1,000 nautical miles, about 25% more than current jets.
• Speeds above Mach 2.
• Potential supercruise capability, though details remain classified.
The F-47 will also plug into the wider NGAD system, with advanced sensors and data links to manage unmanned Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
How many will be built, and at what cost?
The Air Force plans to buy at least 185 jets, replacing the F-22 Raptor. However, numbers could change, and there may be multiple versions over time. Cost is a major question. Estimates suggest each F-47 could be three times the price of an F-35, more than $300 million per aircraft.
Officials say the pace is being driven by competition with China. “The adversary is not taking a knee. We can’t get enamoured with platforms, it’s the systems that link them together that makes it work,” Gen. Allvin warned.
