Trump says Boeing will build the new generation of fighter jets, the F-47

Npr - Mar 22nd, 2025

President Trump has announced that Boeing will construct the U.S. Air Force's next generation fighter jet, the F-47, marking a major development in American military aviation. Dubbed as part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative, the F-47 is expected to feature unprecedented power and stealth capabilities, with Trump teasing that it would be 'virtually unseeable' on radar. Despite the lack of detailed specifications, the announcement has already impacted the stock market, with Boeing's shares rising by 5% and its rival, Lockheed Martin, experiencing a nearly 7% drop. The new jet is set to be manufactured in St. Louis, which is anticipated to boost local economies and reinforce Boeing's position after recent setbacks.

The implications of this development are significant both for Boeing and U.S. military strategy. Boeing's contract for the F-47 comes as a much-needed win following a series of public relations and operational challenges, including issues with the 737 Max and KC-46 tanker programs. The F-47's introduction is also a strategic move for the U.S. Air Force, ensuring the country maintains its global dominance in military aviation. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized that the new fighter jet sends a strong message of commitment to U.S. allies. However, the high costs associated with the program and the competition from drone technologies, as advocated by Elon Musk, suggest ongoing debates about the future direction of U.S. defense investments.

Donald Trump Elon Musk Boeing U.S. Air Force Lockheed Martin F 47 Ngad Military Aviation

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.0

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and generally clear overview of Boeing's contract to develop the F-47 fighter jet, highlighting its strategic importance and potential impact on the defense sector. However, it lacks depth in terms of source quality and transparency, with limited direct quotes or detailed sourcing. The article is somewhat imbalanced, focusing primarily on the positive aspects of the development without addressing potential criticisms or broader implications. While it engages readers interested in military technology, its potential to provoke meaningful discussion or drive significant impact is limited by the absence of diverse perspectives and in-depth analysis. Overall, the story effectively communicates the main points but would benefit from enhanced sourcing and a more balanced presentation of viewpoints.

Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims that align with available information, such as Boeing being awarded the contract for the F-47 and the stock market reactions. However, some details, like the exact specifications and costs of the F-47, remain speculative or unverified. The claim about the F-47's capabilities being 'unprecedented' is not fully supported by detailed evidence, although it is consistent with general descriptions of next-generation fighter jets. The story's assertion that Trump is the 47th U.S. president is incorrect, as he was the 45th president, which indicates a factual inaccuracy.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the positive aspects of the new fighter jet contract for Boeing and the U.S. military. It highlights the strategic advantages and potential technological superiority of the F-47. However, it lacks a balanced perspective by not addressing potential criticisms or concerns, such as budgetary implications or the impact on international relations. The inclusion of Elon Musk’s criticism of the F-35 adds some balance, but the overall tone remains favorable towards the new development.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, making it easy to follow the main points and claims. The language is straightforward and avoids overly technical jargon, which aids comprehension. However, some claims, such as those regarding the F-47's capabilities, could benefit from additional context or explanation to enhance understanding.

Source quality

The article references sources like The Associated Press and The War Zone, which are generally reliable. However, it lacks direct quotes or detailed statements from official sources like the Department of Defense or Boeing representatives, which would enhance credibility. The story also relies on statements attributed to President Trump, which require careful verification given the potential for hyperbolic language.

Transparency

The article does not provide much transparency regarding the sources of its information or the methodology behind its claims. There is little explanation of how the cost estimates were derived or the basis for the claims about the F-47's capabilities. The lack of detailed sourcing or disclosure of potential conflicts of interest diminishes the transparency of the reporting.