In a major revelation that sheds light on the previously secretive development of the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation combat aircraft, significant details have emerged about Boeing’s F-47 stealth fighter. The unveiling of key aspects of the aircraft’s origin, design philosophy, and decision-making processes marks a turning point in understanding the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative. The recent disclosures, coming from former high-ranking Air Force officials, highlight the complexities of modern aerial warfare, technological advancements, and shifting strategic priorities.
The journey toward the F-47 began in the mid-2010s under the Aerospace Innovation Initiative (AII), a $1 billion effort spearheaded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The initiative, which included both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy, sought to develop multiple experimental aircraft, or X-planes, designed to validate emerging technologies for sixth-generation air superiority.
Frank Kendall, former Secretary of the Air Force, and Andrew Hunter, former Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Technology & Logistics, discussed the program in-depth during an episode of Defense & Aerospace Report’s Air Power Podcast. According to Kendall, the initiative aimed to break Lockheed Martin’s dominance in the tactical aircraft market and reintroduce competition, particularly after the F-22 and F-35 programs left the market largely monopolized.
The initial experimental aircraft built under this initiative were not production prototypes but were rather meant to test core technologies. Two X-planes were developed under the program, with test flights occurring in 2019 and 2022, respectively. Boeing and Lockheed Martin were confirmed to have built competing demonstrators, though details of their specific designs remain undisclosed.
As the NGAD initiative took shape, the Air Force refined its requirements for a next-generation fighter. Originally, the program aimed to develop a direct replacement for the F-22 Raptor, focusing on penetrating highly defended enemy airspace to achieve temporary air superiority. However, over time, the program’s goals evolved significantly to prioritize the ability to act as a “quarterback” in networked warfare, particularly through integration with Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones.
The F-47’s design philosophy reflects this shift. While retaining core elements of the F-22’s stealthy airframe and maneuverability, the F-47 integrates cutting-edge networking and sensor fusion capabilities, allowing it to seamlessly communicate with other platforms. The aircraft is expected to leverage a common systems architecture that will enhance interoperability, not just within the Air Force but also with the Navy’s future F/A-XX fighter.
Hunter emphasized that the F-47 and the F/A-XX will share critical subsystems, including advanced sensors and secure communications, ensuring streamlined joint operations. This common architecture represents a significant departure from previous aircraft programs, where each branch developed largely independent platforms with minimal cross-service compatibility.
A critical aspect of the F-47’s development is the Air Force’s effort to retain greater control over the aircraft’s intellectual property and software. One of the key criticisms of the F-35 program was the degree of dependency it created on Lockheed Martin for upgrades and maintenance. By ensuring that the F-47’s design and key components remain under government control, the Air Force aims to accelerate upgrade cycles and introduce competitive modular enhancements throughout the fighter’s service life.
“We’re not a prisoner of a prime contractor,” Kendall remarked, underscoring the importance of avoiding the pitfalls of past acquisition programs. This shift toward a more open architecture could make the F-47 easier to modernize, reducing long-term sustainment costs and preventing vendor lock-in.
Despite the clear advantages of the F-47, the program has not been without its financial hurdles. Kendall revealed that one of the primary reasons the NGAD combat jet program was paused for a strategic review was its high cost. The research and development phase alone is estimated to require at least $20 billion, a figure that placed considerable strain on Air Force budgets.
Beyond financial constraints, the evolving role of CCA drones has also influenced the program’s trajectory. The ability to deploy AI-controlled unmanned combat aircraft alongside the F-47 raises questions about how much capability should be built into the manned platform itself. If CCAs can perform significant portions of high-risk missions, it may reduce the need for the F-47 to be as heavily armed or stealthy, potentially altering its final design requirements.
Hunter confirmed that this reassessment did not fundamentally alter the F-47’s core design but did lead to strategic discussions about opportunity costs. As China continues to expand its counter-space capabilities and missile arsenals, there has been increasing pressure to divert funding toward space defense and base protection rather than investing in another ultra-expensive fighter program.
Kendall expressed particular concern over Chinese space-based targeting systems, which enable long-range precision strikes against U.S. and allied forces. He argued that if the Air Force does not address vulnerabilities in space and base defense, then even the most advanced fighters—including the F-22, F-35, and F-47—will be ineffective because they may not survive long enough to reach their targets.
The competition between Boeing and Lockheed Martin for the NGAD contract was one of the most closely watched industry battles in recent years. While both companies presented viable and innovative designs, Kendall confirmed that one firm met key program milestones faster than the other—though he stopped short of explicitly naming Boeing as the frontrunner.
Industry analysts have speculated that Boeing had stronger incentives to secure the contract, given that Lockheed Martin already dominates the market with the F-35. Kendall suggested that incumbent contractors like Lockheed may have been more risk-averse, while Boeing was more willing to take bold design risks to win the program.
Northrop Grumman was also an early competitor but ultimately withdrew from the NGAD combat jet competition in 2023. The company’s decision to exit may have been influenced by its ongoing involvement in the B-21 Raider stealth bomber program, as well as its focus on unmanned aircraft and space systems.
The future of the F-47 remains closely tied to broader Air Force modernization efforts. Hunter disclosed that the NGAD program is likely to see multiple iterative “tranches,” meaning the F-47 may represent just the first step in an evolving family of next-generation combat aircraft. This approach mirrors the development of the CCA drone program, where multiple variants are expected over time to keep pace with technological advancements.
However, the high cost of the F-47—expected to be at least double that of an F-35, ranging between $160 million and $180 million per unit—raises concerns about affordability and procurement quantities. Some estimates suggest that the final price tag could exceed $200 million per aircraft, making large-scale production a financial challenge.
Kendall also cast doubt on the possibility of foreign sales, noting that export restrictions and cost factors would likely deter allied nations from purchasing the F-47. This contrasts with the F-35, which has been widely adopted by NATO partners and other U.S. allies.
Despite these challenges, the F-47 represents a major leap forward in air combat capabilities. By blending advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and networked warfare, it is poised to serve as the backbone of U.S. air dominance for decades to come. However, its success will depend not just on its technological superiority, but also on whether the Air Force can balance its cost against competing defense priorities.
As the program moves forward, much remains to be learned about the F-47’s final capabilities and the role it will play in future conflicts. What is clear, however, is that the veil of secrecy surrounding America’s next-generation stealth fighter has been partially lifted—offering the world a glimpse into the future of air warfare.
