The U.S. Air Force recently awarded Boeing a contract to design, build and deliver its next-generation fighter aircraft, the F-47, the world’s first sixth-generation fighter aircraft.
The contract is for the engineering and manufacturing development phase of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Platform. The phase includes maturing, integrating, and testing the F-47 as well as a small number of test aircraft for evaluation. It includes options for low-rate initial production. Future program elements will be determined as the Air Force advances the F-47 toward operational deployment.
“We recognize the importance of designing, building and delivering a sixth-generation fighter capability for the United States Air Force,” Steve Parker, Boeing Defense, Space and & Security interim president and CEO, said. “In preparation for this mission, we made the most significant investment in the history of our defense business, and we are ready to provide the most advanced and innovative NGAD aircraft needed to support the mission.”
The Air Force paused the program in May 2024 to ensure it was making the right decision regarding warfighters. The Air Force conducted a thorough source selection process after it reaffirmed the NGAD Platform was the cost-effective solution. The decision reflects the Air Force’s commitment to cutting-edge technology.