Next-gen air dominance and surprise new Air Force leadership: 2025 review
December 22, 2025 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2025-1766426648250-1584
The Air Force awarded Boeing the Next Generation Air Dominance sixth-generation fighter contract, citing the need to counter new threats posed by China. The selection comes after a year marked by significant changes in the Air Force’s leadership and priorities. Despite these challenges, the service has doubled down on its stealth fighters, describing them as critical to its fighter force structure.
Key Takeaways
- The Air Force awarded the Next Generation Air Dominance sixth-generation fighter contract to Boeing.
- The program aims to counter new threats posed by China.
- The Air Force’s selection of Boeing may be to the detriment of its Navy counterpart, the F/A-XX program.
Strategic Implications
The Air Force’s focus on the F-47 may indicate a prioritization of air dominance over other priorities. The program’s requirements and timeline suggest a significant investment in the US military’s capabilities. However, the impact of this shift on the Navy’s F/A-XX program is unclear.