F-47 Next-Generation Fighter Program on Track, With Test Aircraft in Production Ahead of 2028 Debut
Summary
The U.S. Air Force's F-47 sixth-generation fighter program has officially entered its engineering and manufacturing development phase, with test aircraft currently being produced and the first flight scheduled for 2028. General Dale White announced at a Life Cycle Industry Days event in Dayton, Ohio, that the program entered this phase with "unprecedented maturity," reflecting extensive collaboration between the Air Force and its industry partners, particularly Boeing. The F-47 is being developed under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program as a direct replacement for the aging F-22 Raptor fleet, with the Air Force planning to procure at least 185 aircraft. The aircraft features a modular design intended to incorporate emerging technologies and long-range strike capabilities, making it effective in contested environments, and is part of a broader "family of systems" that includes Collaborative Combat Aircraft. The program has received substantial funding, with $3.45 billion allocated in fiscal year 2026 and over $5 billion requested for fiscal year 2027, underscoring the significant investment the U.S. is making in next-generation air superiority.
Key Takeaways
- 1. The F-47 program has entered its engineering and manufacturing development phase, with test aircraft currently in production and a first flight target set for 2028
- 2. Boeing's F-47 is being developed under the NGAD program to replace the F-22 Raptor fleet, with a planned procurement of at least 185 aircraft
- 3. General Dale White emphasized the program entered its development phase with "unprecedented maturity," highlighting strong collaboration between the Air Force and industry partners
- 4. The F-47's modular design allows integration of emerging technologies and long-range strike capabilities, making it suited for highly contested combat environments
- 5. The program is heavily funded, with $3.45 billion in FY2026 and over $5 billion requested in FY2027, reflecting its high strategic priority for U.S. air dominance