- Boeing has been awarded a $20 billion contract to develop the F-47 fighter jet for the U.S. Air Force.
- The F-47 is expected to be a cheaper and more advanced alternative to current fighter jets, boasting advanced sensors, stealth capabilities, and a longer range.
- This contract provides a significant boost to Boeing, which has faced recent challenges including safety issues, financial problems, and strikes.
Amid tough times for American airplane manufacturer Boeing, a massive lifeline has shown up in the form of a contract to build the Air Force’s most sophisticated fighter jet, the F-47.
In a Friday press briefing inside of the Oval Office, President Donald Trump announced that the Air Force was awarding a $20 billion contract to Boeing to develop the new fighter jet “after a rigorous and thorough competition between some of America’s top aerospace companies.”
“The F-47 will be the most advanced, most capable, most lethal aircraft ever built,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “Nothing in the world comes even close to it.”
Air Force Gen. David Allvin said in a news release that the new jet will be a cheaper and more advanced alternative to current fighter jets.
“Compared to the F-22, the F-47 will cost less and be more adaptable to future threats – and we will have more of the F-47s in our inventory,” Allvin said.
Here is what you need to know.
What is the F-47?
While the details aren’t yet public, the F-47 is expected to include advanced sensors and stealth capabilities. Allvin also said the jet will be the “first crewed sixth-generation fighter.”
“With the F-47, we will strengthen our global position, keeping our enemies off-balance and at bay,” Allvin continued.
The Air Force also touts the new generation of aircraft as one that will have a longer range, increased stealth, as well as being more sustainable and supportable.
Standing next to Trump in the Oval Office during the announcement, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the development of the new aircraft “sends a very direct, clear message to our allies that we’re not going anywhere and to our enemies that we will be able to project power around the globe unimpeded for generations to come.”
A big help amid big troubles
The massive government contract is like water in the desert for Boeing. The company has faced a plethora of safety issues, as well as financial problems and a strike at two of its biggest factories.
“The win is a major boost for the company, which has struggled with cost overruns, schedule delays and execution on other (Department of Defense) programs,” Roman Schweizer, an analyst at TD Cowen told Reuters.
Following the news of the contract award, Boeing stocks rose by almost 5%.
Contributing: Reuters
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
