The U.S. Air Force’s F-47, developed by Boeing under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative to replace the F-22, is on track for a first flight in 2028. As of February 2026, the program is advancing rapidly, with manufacturing underway and aiming for operational fielding by the early 2030s.
The F-47 is currently in early, low-rate, and highly secretive production following a March 2025 contract award. Early manufacturing of the first aircraft is underway in St. Louis, with a fleet goal of 185+ units to replace the F-22.
F-22 Raptor Reverse. Image Credit: Creative Commons.