Boeing Begins Manufacturing the Fighter Jet 'F-47'.. First Planned Flight in 2028

Official news reports announced that Boeing has officially started manufacturing the prototype of the sixth-generation American fighter jet named 'F-47' as part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, with the first flight of the aircraft expected in 2028.

The announcement about the start of manufacturing conveys statements from leaders in the U.S. Air Force confirming that the manufacturing process has rapidly commenced after Boeing won the program contract last March, in a move considered a victory for the airline after strong competition with other rivals.

The fighter jet has been described as an advanced platform that will operate within a system that includes accompanying drones, advanced weapon systems, new engines, and advanced stealth capabilities, with initial specifications indicating a combat range exceeding 1,000 nautical miles and a speed exceeding Mach 2. The weapon command has reported that it aims to acquire '185 aircraft or more' over the course of the project.

This step comes as part of the efforts of the U.S. Department of Defense and the Air Force to maintain their air superiority in the face of rising threats, especially amid strategic concerns regarding the capabilities of regional competitors. Military leaders have confirmed that there is a need to work quickly on implementing the program to accelerate the deployment of new technologies.

Many details of the project remain shrouded in secrecy, including the detailed timeline for flight tests, the final costs per unit, and the specific armament, information that is expected to gradually become clear as manufacturing and testing progress.