The Boeing has officially started production of the new sixth-generation F-47 fighter, confirmed the United States Air Force, with a first flight expected in 2028.
The announcement was made by General David Allvin, Chief of Staff of the USAF, during the annual Air, Space and Cyber conference. The officer, who will soon retire, highlighted his team’s commitment to advancing the project and noted that his tenure has been marked by major milestones, such as the first flight of the B-21 Raider bomber and the unveiling of the F-47 itself.
The NGAD program, which has been tested for years with prototypes, now enters a phase closer to the final model. The F-47 is expected to surpass the F-22 in stealth capabilities, reach speeds above Mach 2, and operate over a range of more than 1,000 nautical miles. Additionally, the aircraft is designed to carry long-range weapons in larger internal bays and operate alongside lower-cost collaborative combat aircraft (CCAs), with an initial order of 185 units.
Production takes place at Boeing’s facility in St. Louis, Missouri, where F-15s and F/A-18s are also manufactured. Despite strikes affecting some operations, the company states that the F-47 assembly line remains on schedule.
Development is led by the Phantom Works division, responsible for advanced technologies, and new facilities are expected to open in 2026 to accelerate manufacturing.
Source: The Aviationist | Photo: X @OfficialCSAF | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
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Get your first look at what will be the most advanced, lethal, & adaptable fighter ever developed… the U.S. Air Force’s F-47. pic.twitter.com/ca1CeBABb5
— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) March 21, 2025
