Boeing F-47 Fighter JetF-47 Fighter Jet. Credit Boeing

The U.S. government announced on Friday that Boeing has secured a $20 billion contract to build the military’s new F-47 fighter jets.

Each jet will cost $300 million and feature more advanced technology than previous models.

Boeing F-47 Fighter Jet (7)F-47 Fighter Jet. Credit Boeing

Retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. John Teichert emphasized the need for cutting-edge technology to counter global threats, particularly from China. “America’s enemies will never see it coming,” he said.

The NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance) program goes beyond just a manned fighter jet. It includes support systems like accompanying drones (Collaborative Aircraft), advanced engines with reduced heat signatures, new weapons and electronic warfare tools, cutting-edge sensors and radars, and a modern network-centric system for battlefield awareness.

Boeing F-47 Fighter Jet (6)F-47 Fighter Jet. Credit Boeing

A major innovation in 6th-generation fighters is their ability to operate in swarms alongside drones, transforming combat strategies.

Boeing F-47 Fighter Jet (5)F-47 Fighter Jet. Credit Boeing

Meanwhile, Europe is also developing 6th-generation fighters, with two major projects underway: BAE Systems’ Tempest and the FCAS (Future Combat Air System), a joint initiative by Airbus, Dassault, and Indra.

Boeing F-47 Fighter Jet (4)F-47 Fighter Jet. Credit Boeing

Boeing F-47 Fighter Jet (3)F-47 Fighter Jet. Credit Boeing

Boeing F-47 Fighter Jet (2)F-47 Fighter Jet. Credit Boeing

Boeing F-47 Fighter Jet (1)F-47 Fighter Jet. Credit Boeing