The U.S. President is set to announce the winner of a lucrative $20 billion fighter jet contract, marking a significant milestone in the Next Generation Air Dominance program aimed at countering near-peer adversaries like China and Russia.
U.S. President Donald Trump will personally announce the Pentagon‘s decision on a next-generation fighter jet contract worth at least $20 billion as soon as Friday, despite concerns about budget constraints and shifting priorities.
The announcement comes after years of uncertainty over the future of the program, which aims to replace Lockheed Martin‘s F-22 Raptor with a crewed aircraft built to enter combat alongside drones. The plane’s design remains a closely held secret, but it is expected to feature ‘stealthiness, advanced sensors, and cutting-edge engines’.
Next-generation fighter jets are being developed with advanced stealth capabilities, improved maneuverability, and enhanced electronic warfare systems.
These aircraft feature integrated sensors, advanced computer systems, and cutting-edge materials for improved performance and survivability.
The F-35 Lightning II is a notable example of a next-gen fighter jet, boasting fifth-generation technology and advanced avionics.
Other countries are also developing their own next-gen fighters, such as China's J-20 and Russia's Su-57.
These advancements aim to provide air forces with a significant edge in combat capabilities.
Lockheed Martin and Boeing are competing for the winner-take-all engineering and manufacturing development contract, worth more than $20 billion. The outcome will have significant implications for both companies, with Lockheed Martin looking to maintain its position as the world’s largest defense contractor and Boeing seeking a major turnaround in fortunes.
The Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program was conceived as a ‘family of systems’ centered around a sixth-generation fighter to counter near-peer adversaries such as China and Russia. Despite concerns over budget constraints, the program has moved forward under President Trump’s administration, which took office in January.
The Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program is a US Department of Defense initiative aimed at developing the next generation of fighter aircraft.
The program focuses on creating a stealthy, network-enabled, and highly maneuverable aircraft capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously.
NGAD is expected to incorporate advanced materials, such as composites and metamaterials, for improved aerodynamics and reduced radar cross-section.
Additionally, the aircraft will feature artificial intelligence-powered avionics and enhanced sensor systems for better situational awareness.
However, billionaire and presidential adviser Elon Musk has voiced skepticism about the effectiveness of crewed high-end fighters, suggesting that cheaper drones may be a better option. The program also faced potential delays or scope reductions last year due to budget pressures and cost overruns in other Air Force programs.
The anticipated announcement on Friday signals that a design finalized last year will be chosen for NGAD. For Boeing, a win would mark a sharp reversal of fortunes, while a loss could be devastating. Lockheed Martin, on the other hand, would keep its high-end offerings on an upward trajectory.
A U.S. official briefed on the plan said the announcement was slated for 11 a.m. in the Oval Office alongside Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The decision comes as Trump has been working to cut costs throughout the U.S. government, although the size and legality of these efforts have been challenged.
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