The U.S. Air Force has formally awarded Boeing the contract to build its Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter, now designated the F-47. Designed to operate as part of a networked system, the F-47 will fly alongside autonomous drones in future air combat missions, marking a shift in how the military envisions aerial warfare.
The NGAD program aims to replace the F-22 Raptor with a sixth-generation platform focused on survivability, speed, and sensor integration. According to the Air Force and Boeing, the F-47 will not operate alone but will be the centerpiece of a “system of systems” that includes uncrewed aircraft known as Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs).
These drones, which can be equipped with sensors, electronic warfare packages, or weapons, are expected to carry out a range of tasks such as reconnaissance, electronic attack, and strike missions. The Air Force has stated that one manned F-47 could control multiple CCAs, allowing for coordinated tactics and operations while reducing risk to human pilots.
The Air Force selected Boeing’s design over proposals from Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. While the jet’s detailed specifications remain classified, the aircraft is reported to feature stealth capabilities, advanced networking, and adaptive engines that improve range and performance.
The F-47’s integration with drones reflects broader U.S. defense priorities, particularly in preparing for potential conflicts in contested environments like the Indo-Pacific. Officials have emphasized the need for faster response, longer range, and lower observable platforms that can operate with or without direct human input.
Initial operational capability for the F-47 is expected in the early 2030s, with a prototype already in advanced stages of flight testing. The Air Force is also investing in the accompanying drone systems, with plans to field hundreds of CCAs in the coming years.
The NGAD effort is part of a broader modernization initiative that includes not only the F-47 and its drones, but also upgrades to existing platforms, new weapons systems, and advanced software integration.
