WASHINGTON, DC — President Donald J. Trump on Friday announced the launch of the U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, unveiling the F-47 as the service’s future sixth-generation fighter jet and a key component of America’s evolving air combat capabilities.
Key Points
- President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth announced the Air Force’s sixth-generation F-47 fighter jet
- The F-47 is part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) platform to replace the F-22
- NGAD integrates piloted aircraft with drones and will feature enhanced stealth, range, and adaptability
Speaking alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the White House, Trump said the NGAD platform — a networked system integrating stealth fighter technology, drones, and advanced sensors — marks a leap in American military aviation.
“I’m thrilled to announce that, at my direction, the United States Air Force is moving forward with the world’s first sixth-generation fighter jet… Nothing in the world comes even close to it,” Trump said, declaring the aircraft portion will carry the designation F-47.
Designed to ultimately replace the aging fleet of F-22 Raptors, the NGAD platform will enable seamless communication between piloted aircraft and autonomous systems. The Department of Defense described the initiative as a multi-faceted solution to retain air superiority against evolving threats.
“This sends a very direct, clear message to our allies that we’re not going anywhere and to our enemies that we can, and we will, be able to project power around the globe,” Hegseth said.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin emphasized the role of human-machine teaming, calling the F-47 “more adaptable to future threats” with “significantly longer range, more advanced stealth,” and better sustainability than current fifth-generation aircraft.
While cost estimates and production timelines were not provided, Trump said he expects the F-47 fleet to be “built and in the air” during his current administration.
Officials added that the NGAD program will also serve as a long-term investment in the U.S. defense industrial base, with the aim of modernizing the military and restoring a “warrior ethos” across the armed services.