Boeing Wins $20B Contract for Air Force's Next-Gen Fighter Jet

President Donald Trump announced that Boeing has been awarded a $20 billion contract to develop the U.S. Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter jet, which will replace the F-22 Raptor. This contract marks a significant shift in the defense industry, as Boeing outbid Lockheed Martin, the traditional leader in stealth fighter production. The NGAD program, designed to enhance air superiority with advanced stealth and sensor technologies, is expected to operate alongside unmanned drones in various combat scenarios. Boeing's win comes at a crucial time, as the company faces challenges in both its commercial and defense sectors, providing a vital boost to its fighter jet production line in St. Louis. Critics have raised concerns about the program's high costs and necessity, especially while the Pentagon continues to work on the F-35 and B-21 stealth bomber projects. Overall, the NGAD contract positions Boeing for long-term opportunities in the defense sector, with potential future earnings reaching into the hundreds of billions over the program's lifespan.