Sixth-Generation Fighter; First Flight Targeted for 2028

Washington,The U.S. Air Force says production of the first F-47 sixth-generation fighter has begun, with the service targeting an initial flight in 2028.

The F-47 — the manned element of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programme and intended successor to the F-22 Raptor — is being developed by Boeing after the company won the NGAD contract earlier this year. U.S. officials and industry reports say the programme will include advanced engines, stealth features and the ability to operate as a networked node with autonomous drone “wingmen.”

The announcement comes amid heightened attention to China’s recent military parade, and U.S. officials framed the acceleration of the F-47 programme as part of broader efforts to maintain air superiority.

U.S. leaders have described the aircraft as incorporating supersonic performance, cutting-edge stealth, artificial-intelligence enabled weapons and close integration with unmanned systems — capabilities intended to support “network-centred” operations well into the 2030s. The Air Force has said the service expects further funding and procurement actions in coming fiscal years.

Remarks at the Air, Space & Cyber Conference by Air Force Chief of Staff General David Allvin confirmed the production start and the 2028 first-flight goal. Programme timelines remain subject to testing progress, funding and the classified nature of many NGAD elements.