Defense & Military
Boeing Begins Manufacturing F-47 Next Generation Fighter for USAF
The USAF starts production of the F-47, a sixth-generation fighter with advanced stealth and drone command capabilities, set to fly in 2028.
The United States Air Force (USAF) has entered a new era in combat aviation with the official start of manufacturing on the first F-47 fighter aircraft, as confirmed by Chief of Staff General David Allvin in September 2025. This milestone is the result of years of classified research and development under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. The F-47, built by Boeing and expected to fly in 2028, is designed to set a new standard for air superiority, featuring extended range, advanced stealth, and the ability to command autonomous drone wingmen. As the strategic landscape shifts due to emerging threats, particularly from China’s advancing air power, the F-47 program is both a technological leap and a critical component of U.S. defense policy.
This article examines the F-47’s evolution, current development status, technical specifications, economic and strategic impacts, and the global context in which it is being developed. We break down the facts, highlight expert opinions, and underscore the broader implications of this ambitious program for the future of air combat.
The NGAD program was initiated in response to concerns that current fifth-generation fighters, such as the F-22 and F-35, would be challenged in future high-threat environments. The F-47’s roots can be traced to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Aerospace Innovation Initiative, launched in 2014 to develop X-plane prototypes and next-generation technologies. This initiative laid the groundwork for the Penetrating Counter-Air (PCA) concept, which envisioned a fast, long-range, stealthy fighter capable of operating in contested spaces.
Progress accelerated when DARPA demonstrators began flying as full-scale prototypes for the PCA, with Boeing’s demonstrator taking flight in 2019. These early flights validated key technologies and design approaches, providing the foundation for the F-47’s eventual configuration. The program evolved to include not just a single aircraft, but a family-of-systems approach, with manned fighters working alongside autonomous drones.
In March 2023, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall revealed plans for a fleet of roughly 200 NGAD fighters supported by 1,000 advanced drones. However, cost concerns led to a pause in 2024 when projected unit prices soared to three times that of the F-35. An internal review concluded in early 2025 that no alternative could achieve air superiority in highly contested environments as effectively as NGAD. Major General Joseph Kunkel and General Kenneth Wilsbach both emphasized the necessity of a crewed sixth-generation aircraft to counter Chinese advancements.
“What this study told us, we tried a whole bunch of different options, and there was no more viable option than NGAD to achieve air superiority in this highly contested environment.”, Maj. Gen. Joseph Kunkel
The F-47 designation honors the legacy of the WWII-era P-47 Thunderbolt, connecting the new fighter to a storied history of American air superiority.
General Allvin’s September 2025 announcement at the Air & Space Forces Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference marked a rapid progression in the F-47 timeline. Boeing began manufacturing the first production-representative aircraft just months after securing the contract. Allvin stated, “In the few short months since we made the announcement, they are already beginning to manufacture the first article.”
This milestone follows extensive experimental testing. Two competitive prototypes reportedly flew secretly for five years, accumulating hundreds of hours of flight time. These X-plane demonstrations provided essential data, enabling Boeing to transition quickly to production. The program’s urgency is reflected in Allvin’s comments: “We’re ready to go fast. We have to go fast… It’s almost 2026. The team is committed to getting the first one flying in 2028.” Boeing’s preparations, including a $1.8 billion expansion of its St. Louis facility, allowed immediate commencement of manufacturing.
Unlike previous fixed-price contracts that caused difficulties for Boeing (e.g., KC-46, T-7), the F-47 uses a cost-plus incentive fee structure, giving flexibility to manage risks while incentivizing performance.
“The current production aircraft is much more representative of the final F-47 design.”, USAF official
Initial production models will undergo extensive flight testing before full operational deployment.
The F-47 is designed for operations in the most contested environments. Its combat radius exceeds 1,000 nautical miles, a roughly 70% increase over the F-22 Raptor’s 590 nautical mile range. This extended range is critical for Indo-Pacific operations, where distances are vast and bases scarce.
Performance is expected above Mach 2, with classified details on supercruise capabilities. The F-47’s advanced “Stealth++” design provides broadband low-observability across radar, infrared, and possibly acoustic spectrums. Physical features such as canard foreplanes and blended wing-body shapes contribute to both maneuverability and stealth, though some details may be intentionally misleading for security reasons.
The F-47’s primary mission is air superiority, not multi-role flexibility. It will command a network of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), autonomous drones designed to extend its reach and lethality. Advanced sensors and networking capabilities will allow the F-47 to serve as a command node in future air battles.
Weapons systems remain classified, but the aircraft is expected to carry a full suite of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions internally. Future integration of directed energy weapons and advanced electronic warfare systems is anticipated.
“The F-47 is not a multi-role aircraft. Its mission is securing air superiority.”, Gen. David Allvin
The F-47 program is a major investment in U.S. defense and industrial capacity. Boeing’s $20 billion development contract is one of the largest in recent memory, with total program costs expected to rise as procurement and lifecycle expenses are factored in. Each aircraft is projected to cost significantly more than the F-35, reflecting its advanced technology and lower production volume. For Boeing, the F-47 is a critical win following losses on other defense programs. The program secures the company’s fighter production future as the F/A-18 line winds down. The St. Louis facility expansion, supported by local incentives, is expected to create 500 new jobs and support a broad regional supply chain.
Strategically, the F-47 is the U.S. response to peer adversaries’ advancements. Its integration with CCA drones is a shift toward distributed, networked air combat, moving away from reliance on a single platform. This approach is designed to provide both cost efficiency and tactical flexibility.
The program also raises questions about industrial base resilience, as only a handful of companies worldwide can build such advanced fighters. Maintaining this expertise is vital for future generations of military aviation.
“The F-47 contract will have generational impact for the St. Louis region.”, Regional economic official
The F-47’s development takes place amid fierce global competition. China’s J-36 sixth-generation fighter, first seen conducting test flights in late 2024, is a direct competitor. The J-36 features trijet, tailless, diamond-double-delta wings and is optimized for stealth, range, and multi-mission flexibility.
U.S. officials acknowledge that the J-36 may reach operational status before the F-47, creating a potential capability gap. However, confidence remains high that the U.S. system will ultimately deliver superior capabilities, leveraging lessons from previous programs and a more robust technological base.
Other nations are also developing sixth-generation fighters, such as Europe’s Future Combat Air System and the UK’s Tempest. These parallel efforts create both competition and opportunities for collaboration.
The race is not just about airframes but also about propulsion, AI, electronic warfare, and manufacturing. Delays in the U.S. Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program, now pushed to 2030, highlight the complexity of these challenges.
Export restrictions will likely keep the F-47 out of foreign hands, but its development will influence allied procurement and interoperability decisions worldwide. The F-47 program faces several hurdles. The most pressing is the delay in advanced engine development. NGAP, originally set for completion in 2027, is now expected in 2030 due to supply chain issues and technical complexity. This could force initial F-47s to fly with less advanced engines until NGAP is ready.
Cost management remains a concern, as the program’s high price tag was the reason for its temporary pause in 2024. The cost-plus contract structure offers more flexibility, but balancing capabilities with fiscal realities will be an ongoing challenge.
Integrating CCA drones and scaling up manufacturing are also significant challenges. Achieving effective manned-unmanned teaming and producing 185 aircraft efficiently will require sustained investment and innovation.
Technological obsolescence is another risk, given the long development cycles. The F-47’s modular design aims to accommodate upgrades, but rapid advances in AI, sensors, and weapons could outpace current plans.
Security and technology transfer restrictions add further complexity, as protecting sensitive technologies is paramount.
“The updated schedule in the budget documents reflects supply chain challenges encountered by the program.”, Air Force spokesperson
The start of F-47 manufacturing marks a pivotal moment in U.S. military aviation, transitioning from concept to reality. The aircraft’s combination of long range, high speed, advanced stealth, and networked capabilities positions it as a transformational tool for future conflicts.
Beyond its technical achievements, the F-47 program demonstrates America’s commitment to maintaining air superiority in an era of rapid global competition. Its success will impact international defense partnerships, industrial policy, and the strategic balance for decades to come.
What is the F-47? When will the F-47 first fly? How does the F-47 compare to current fighters? What challenges does the F-47 program face? How does the F-47 fit into international competition?
F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance Fighter: Manufacturing Begins as America Advances Sixth-Generation Combat Aviation
Historical Context and Program Evolution
Current Development Status and Manufacturing Progress
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
Strategic and Economic Implications
International Competition and Global Context
Challenges and Future Timeline
Conclusion
FAQ
The F-47 is the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation air superiority fighter, developed under the NGAD program and built by Boeing. It is designed to operate in highly contested environments and command a network of autonomous drones.
The first F-47 is expected to conduct its maiden flight in 2028, according to USAF Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin.
The F-47 offers significantly greater range, advanced “Stealth++” technology, and the ability to coordinate with autonomous drones, surpassing the capabilities of current fifth-generation fighters like the F-22 and F-35.
The program faces challenges including engine development delays, high costs, integration of autonomous systems, and the need to protect sensitive technologies.
The F-47 is a direct response to developments like China’s J-36 and other sixth-generation programs worldwide, aiming to maintain U.S. air superiority.
Sources
Photo Credit: USAF
Defense & Military
Embraer and Saab Unveil First Gripen E Fighter Produced in Brazil
Embraer and Saab unveiled the first Gripen E fighter jet assembled in Brazil, enhancing local defense manufacturing and fulfilling a 2014 contract.
This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.
On March 25, 2026, Embraer, Saab, and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) marked a historic milestone in Latin American aerospace by unveiling the first Gripen E fighter jet manufactured on Brazilian soil. The rollout ceremony took place at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State, officially introducing the first supersonic fighter aircraft ever produced in the country.
According to the official press release, the event drew high-profile attendees, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Swedish Ambassador Karin Wallensteen, and top executives from both Embraer and Saab. The presentation of the aircraft highlights a successful technology transfer program and elevates Brazil into a select group of nations capable of manufacturing advanced combat aircraft.
The newly unveiled Gripen E is the result of a deeply integrated Brazilian and international supply chain. Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility handles the final assembly, utilizing aerostructures manufactured at Saab’s plant in São Bernardo do Campo. According to Embraer, 14 additional aircraft will be built using this exact production model under the current FAB contract.
Before being handed over to the customer, the newly assembled fighter will undergo rigorous functional and production flight testing. Once cleared, it will join the First Defense Group (1st GDA) stationed at the Anápolis Air Force Base.
Company leadership emphasized the broader implications of the rollout. In the press release, Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, highlighted the collaborative effort:
“…it symbolizes the strength of a partnership built on trust, long‑term vision, and true cooperation.”
The foundation for this manufacturing achievement was laid in 2014 when the Brazilian government signed a comprehensive contract with Saab. The agreement covers the development and production of 36 Gripen fighters, specifically 28 single-seat Gripen E models and eight two-seat Gripen F variants.
Deliveries from Sweden began in 2020, and the press release notes that at least 10 aircraft have already been handed over to the Brazilian Air Force. The Gripen fleet is already active; since February, the fighters have been executing Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) missions from the Anápolis Air Force Base to safeguard the airspace over Brazil’s federal district. Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, noted the strategic importance of the local production capability, stating in the release:
“…developing, within Brazil, the capability to produce a high-tech supersonic fighter aircraft – fully capable of executing air superiority missions…”
We view the successful rollout of a domestically assembled Gripen E as a transformative moment for Embraer and the Brazilian defense sector. By proving it can assemble and integrate a sophisticated, network-centric supersonic fighter, Embraer significantly enhances its high-end military manufacturing portfolio. This capability not only fulfills Brazil’s immediate national security and airspace defense needs but also positions the Gavião Peixoto facility as a potential regional export and maintenance hub for South America. As neighboring countries evaluate their aging fighter fleets, we believe Brazil’s proven production line could offer Saab a strategic foothold for future Latin American sales.
Where was the first Brazilian-made Gripen E produced? How many Gripen fighters did Brazil order? How many more Gripens will be built in Brazil?
Production and Strategic Partnership
Details of the Gavião Peixoto Facility
Contract History and Operational Status
The 2014 Agreement
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The aircraft was assembled at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State, using components including aerostructures from Saab’s facility in São Bernardo do Campo.
Under a 2014 contract, the Brazilian government ordered 36 Gripen fighters, comprising 28 single-seat Gripen E jets and 8 two-seat Gripen F jets.
According to the Embraer press release, 14 additional aircraft will be produced at the Gavião Peixoto facility under the current contract.
Sources
Photo Credit: Embraer
Defense & Military
Japan Expands F-35B Fleet with Delivery to Nyutabaru Air Base
Japan received three F-35B fighters at Nyutabaru Air Base, advancing its goal to deploy eight F-35Bs by fiscal year 2025 end.
In late March 2026, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) received three additional F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters at Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki Prefecture. According to social media account @thef35 on X, the delivery highlights that procurement
“momentum continues” for the Japanese defense forces.
This latest arrival is a critical milestone. Based on defense research data, the delivery keeps Japan’s Ministry of Defense on track to meet its goal of deploying an initial batch of eight F-35Bs by the end of fiscal year 2025, which concludes on March 31, 2026. Japan received its first three F-35Bs on August 7, 2025, ferried by U.S. pilots, and officially activated the fleet for frontline service during a ceremony on February 7, 2026.
The integration of the Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft represents a historic shift in Japan’s defense posture. Defense reports indicate Japan plans to acquire 147 F-35s in total, 105 conventional F-35As and 42 F-35Bs, making it the largest operator of the fifth-generation fighter outside the United States.
While the F-35Bs are operated by the JASDF, defense analysts note their primary strategic value lies in their integration with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
To accommodate the STOVL aircraft, Japan has been modifying its two largest warships, the Izumo-class helicopter destroyers JS Izumo and JS Kaga. According to defense research, these modifications include reshaping the bows into a rectangular configuration and applying heat-resistant deck coatings capable of withstanding the F-35B’s powerful lift fan.
These upgrades were put to the test recently. In October 2024, a U.S. Navy and Marine Corps F-35B successfully conducted the first landing and takeoff trials on the modified JS Kaga off the coast of San Diego, California. This milestone effectively proved the vessel’s capability to operate as a light aircraft carrier, returning fixed-wing carrier aviation to the Japanese fleet for the first time since World War II.
Japan’s acquisition of the F-35B is widely viewed by defense researchers as a direct response to a tightening regional security environment, particularly the rapid military modernization and maritime maneuvers of China in the East and South China Seas. Nyutabaru Air Base is strategically located on Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island. Defense reports highlight that this positions the F-35B fleet in close proximity to the Nansei Islands chain, which stretches toward Taiwan and includes the Japanese-administered Senkaku Islands. The STOVL capability allows Japan to project air power from the sea and operate from shorter, austere runways on remote islands.
Under its post-WWII pacifist constitution, Japan has historically maintained a strictly defensive military posture. The deployment of carrier-capable stealth fighters represents a shift toward what defense analysts term “active deterrence.” To navigate political sensitivities regarding offensive capabilities, the Japanese government officially classifies the Izumo and Kaga as “multi-functional destroyers” rather than aircraft carriers.
Despite the strategic momentum, the domestic rollout of the F-35B fleet has faced logistical and political hurdles.
According to defense research data, Japan is constructing a dedicated runway and training facility on the uninhabited island of Mageshima, located roughly 160 kilometers south of Nyutabaru. This facility is intended for F-35B Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) and vertical landing drills.
However, the Mageshima project has been delayed until approximately 2029 or 2030. Consequently, routine vertical landing training must be conducted at Nyutabaru Airports in the interim. This temporary arrangement has triggered protests and concerns from local residents in Miyazaki Prefecture regarding severe aircraft noise pollution.
We view the successful delivery of these F-35Bs as more than just a national defense upgrade for Japan; it is a foundational step for allied interoperability in the Indo-Pacific. By operating the F-35B from modified destroyers, Japan ensures seamless integration with U.S. Navy and Marine Corps forces, as well as other allied operators like the United Kingdom and Italy. This opens the door for future cross-decking operations, where allied jets can land on Japanese ships and vice versa, creating a highly flexible, distributed maritime strike capability that complicates adversary planning in the region.
According to defense procurement data, Japan plans to acquire a total of 147 F-35 military-aircraft, consisting of 105 F-35A conventional takeoff variants and 42 F-35B STOVL variants.
The F-35B features Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capabilities, allowing it to operate from amphibious assault ships, light aircraft carriers, and short or austere runways. To align with its post-WWII pacifist constitution, which limits offensive military capabilities, Japan officially classifies the modified Izumo-class vessels as “multi-functional destroyers” rather than aircraft carriers.
Sources: @thef35, Defense Research Report
Japan Expands F-35B Fleet with Latest Delivery to Nyutabaru Air Base
Strategic Shift: The “Lightning Carriers”
Vessel Modifications and Sea Trials
Geopolitical Drivers and Regional Defense
Defending the Nansei Islands
Domestic Challenges and Infrastructure
Local Impact at Nyutabaru
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many F-35s is Japan buying?
What makes the F-35B different?
Why are Japan’s carrier-capable ships called destroyers?
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
GKN Aerospace Delivers First Upgraded RM12 Engine to Swedish Armed Forces
GKN Aerospace delivers the first upgraded RM12 engine under a £32 million programme enhancing Sweden’s Gripen C/D fighter fleet performance and endurance.
This article is based on an official press release from GKN Aerospace.
GKN Aerospace has officially delivered the first upgraded RM12 engine to the Swedish Armed Forces, marking a critical milestone in the RM12 Enhanced Performance (RM12EP) programme. The delivery is part of a broader initiative to modernize the propulsion systems of Sweden’s JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter fleet.
According to a company press release, the RM12EP programme is valued at approximately £32 million (SEK 400 million). The initiative focuses on increasing engine thrust, extending operational endurance, and improving overall efficiency to ensure the legacy fighter aircraft remain highly capable in modern operational environments.
The successful handover of the first enhanced engine underscores GKN Aerospace’s nearly century-long partnership with the Swedish Air Force. As the type certificate holder for the RM12 engine, the company continues to play a central role in maintaining Sweden’s aerial defense readiness.
The RM12EP upgrade introduces significant technical improvements to the existing powerplants. In its official statement, GKN Aerospace noted that the enhancements include the installation of improved turbine hardware alongside updated engine control software. These modifications are specifically designed to boost engine thrust and extend the operating time of the engines, while simultaneously reducing life cycle costs for the Swedish Armed Forces.
The RM12EP programme was originally launched in 2019. It represents a long-term strategic effort led by GKN Aerospace to ensure that the Gripen C/D remains a cost-efficient and highly capable platform, even as newer generations of fighter aircraft enter service.
All upgrade work for the RM12 engines is being conducted at GKN Aerospace’s specialized facility in Trollhättan, Sweden. The company maintains comprehensive responsibility for the development, manufacturing, system support, and maintenance of both the RM12 engine, which powers the Gripen C/D, and the newer RM16 engine, which is utilized in the advanced Gripen E/F models.
The delivery of the first upgraded unit was achieved through extensive cross-functional collaboration. GKN Aerospace highlighted that the milestone involved coordination across engineering, production, quality assurance, procurement, and logistics departments. Furthermore, the project relies on key partnerships with industry leaders GE and Saab. Additional upgraded engines are scheduled to be delivered continuously to the Swedish Armed Forces in accordance with the programme’s planned timeline. “This first upgraded engine delivery represents an important step forward in enhancing the performance and endurance of the Gripen system. As type certificate holder for the Gripen C/D engine and with a partnership with the Swedish Air Force that spans nearly a century, we are proud to continue supporting Sweden’s operational capability and future readiness.”
We note that the delivery of the first upgraded RM12 engine highlights a broader trend in global defense procurement: the necessity of extending the operational lifespan of proven legacy platforms. While the Swedish Air Force is actively transitioning to the next-generation Gripen E/F, maintaining a robust and capable fleet of Gripen C/D aircraft remains essential for national security and regional stability.
By investing £32 million into the RM12EP programme, Sweden is ensuring a cost-effective bridge between aircraft generations. The enhancements to thrust and endurance not only improve the tactical capabilities of the Gripen C/D but also optimize maintenance schedules and reduce long-term operational costs. This dual-track approach, upgrading existing assets while procuring new ones, allows the Swedish Armed Forces to maintain a high state of readiness without compromising on technological advancement.
Furthermore, keeping the upgrade work localized at the Trollhättan facility secures domestic aerospace expertise and supply chain resilience. As geopolitical tensions in Europe remain a focal point for defense ministries, the ability to independently maintain and upgrade critical defense infrastructure is a significant strategic advantage for Sweden.
The RM12 Enhanced Performance (RM12EP) programme is an upgrade initiative led by GKN Aerospace for the Swedish Armed Forces. Launched in 2019, it aims to improve the thrust, endurance, and efficiency of the RM12 engines powering the JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter aircraft.
According to GKN Aerospace, the programme is valued at approximately £32 million, which equates to SEK 400 million.
All development, manufacturing, and maintenance work for the RM12 engine upgrades is carried out at GKN Aerospace’s facility in Trollhättan, Sweden.
The RM12EP programme involves strong collaboration between GKN Aerospace and key industry partners, including GE and Saab.
The RM12EP Upgrade Programme
Technical Enhancements
Production and Partnerships
Strategic Implications for the Swedish Air Force
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RM12EP programme?
How much is the RM12EP programme worth?
Where is the upgrade work being performed?
Who are the key partners in this programme?
Sources
Photo Credit: GKN Aerospace
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