The United States has started production of its sixth-generation fighter jet, the F-47, announced the US Air Force chief. The first flight is expected by 2028. This announcement came just three weeks after China showcased new military hardware in a recent parade. The F-47 is designed under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program to replace the F-22 fighter jets.
During the Air, Space, and Cyber Conference in Washington, General David Allen said Boeing has begun building the first unit of the F-47. He emphasized the team’s goal to have the jet flying by 2028. The project followed years of research, hundreds of test hours, and thousands of work hours. Production started just months after the official announcement.
In March 2025, former President Donald Trump officially assigned Boeing the task of developing the F-47. Experimental models have been secretly flown for five years, with the first test flight reportedly in 2019. The US Air Force expects the jet to fly before January 2029, before President Trump’s current term ends.
Experts say the F-47 will feature super-sonic speed, advanced stealth technology, AI-powered weapons, and drone coordination. It will challenge enemy air power and connect with other platforms through network-centric warfare. The project reflects a strategic response to China’s recent military advancements.
The US Air Force has already approved funding for F-47 production and plans more investment next fiscal year. Analysts view this step as crucial in the race for air dominance in the region, showing the US’s commitment to maintaining its technological edge.