There is a race to make fifth generation fighter jets all over the world but there is one country which has already started preparing to make the sixth generation fighter jet, the name of this country is America, America has taken a big step in preparing its next generation fighter planes.
Boeing company is making F-47 fighter jet, which is being prepared under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program of the US Air Force. This aircraft has been specially designed to replace the existing F-22 Raptor. This program has been started because America wants to keep its air power stronger than any country in the world in future wars.
Talking about the launch of F-47, its foundation was laid in 2020, and its initial experimental tests were also conducted at the same time. According to the US Department of Defense (Pentagon), this fighter aircraft can be included for operations in the Air Force between 2025 and 2029. It is considered to be the world’s first sixth-generation manned fighter jet, which has the ability to operate even in the most difficult and dangerous war zones.
What will be its capability?
The US government has given approximately $20 billion to Boeing Company. The world’s most advanced technology will be used to make this sixth generation fighter jet. Talking about the combat radius of this fighter jet, it is more than 1,000 nautical miles i.e. 1,852 kilometers, which enables it to conduct missions over long distances. No fighter jet has had such a range with just one refueling till now.
Talking about the speed of the F-47 fighter jet, its top speed is Mach 2+ i.e. twice the speed of sound, which makes it a very fast fighter jet, along with this it gives 70% more range than other existing fighter planes.
The F-47 is a stealth fighter jet built with advanced stealth technology, which makes it undetectable by enemy radar. Also, this fighter jet has the ability to fly and operate in conjunction with drone wingmen. Due to these features, the F-47 will not only defeat the enemy in the air, but can also bring about a big change in land and sea battlefields. The US government has given a huge amount for this project. In FY 2026, the Pentagon has set a budget of more than $3.4 billion for the F-47 alone. It is believed that under this program, the US will buy more than 185 F-47 jets.
What’s the story behind the name?
The name F-47 also has a special significance. This name has been given to pay tribute to the famous American fighter P-47 Thunderbolt of World War II. It has also been linked to the then 47th President of America, which is considered a symbol of American military pride and leadership.