First F-47 6th-Generation Fighter Reportedly Being Built

Boeing has officially started production of the U.S. Air Force’s first F-47, the sixth-generation stealth fighter that will replace the F-22 Raptor. The jet is expected to make its maiden flight in 2028, part of the Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.

Unveiled earlier this year by President Donald Trump, the F-47 represents the centerpiece of a broader ecosystem that includes advanced engines, electronic warfare suites, sensors, and autonomous drone wingmen known as Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs).

“It’s the platform that…is going to ensure dominance into the future,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin, noting that Boeing had already begun manufacturing the first article within months of being selected.

Performance and Capabilities

While many details remain classified, the Air Force has confirmed that the F-47 will boast a combat radius of more than 1,000 nautical miles—about 25% greater reach than current U.S. fighters. It will also exceed Mach 2 speeds, with speculation that it may incorporate advanced “supercruise” capabilities for sustained supersonic flight without afterburners.

The fighter is also expected to feature next-generation “broadband stealth,” reducing visibility not only to radar but also to infrared detection. This emphasis on “spectral dominance” aligns with NGAD’s goal of making U.S. airpower survivable and lethal in any environment, particularly in high-end conflicts such as a potential confrontation in the Pacific.

Renderings released so far hint at features such as canard foreplanes, which could enhance maneuverability—but officials warn these images may include deliberate misdirection for security reasons.

Building for the Future

The Air Force plans to acquire at least 185 F-47s, roughly matching the size of the F-22 fleet. Each aircraft could cost upwards of $300 million—nearly three times the price of an F-35—but leaders emphasize that the F-47 is more than just a fighter. It is designed to operate as part of a larger network of systems, linking seamlessly with CCAs and other NGAD assets.

“The adversary is not taking a knee,” Allvin said. “We can’t slow down. It’s not just about the platform—it’s about the systems that link together and give us dominance.”