Trump awards Boeing $20 billion F-47 jet contract

President Donald Trump announced a multi-billion dollar contract awarded to Boeing for the development of the F-47, a sixth-generation fighter jet intended to replace the F-22 Raptor. The F-47, described as the 'most lethal aircraft ever built,' has been under secret testing for nearly five years and is designed to operate alongside unmanned drones in combat. This contract is particularly significant for Boeing, which has faced economic challenges, and represents a strategic investment aimed at bolstering U.S. air superiority amid rising tensions with China. The new jets will be produced as part of a $1.8 billion expansion in St. Louis, with local officials emphasizing the economic benefits and job creation associated with the project. Additionally, the decision is viewed as a setback for Lockheed Martin, the maker of the competing F-35, which may face declining sales due to shifting defense priorities. Trump highlighted the advanced technology and capabilities of the F-47, asserting its superiority in speed and maneuverability over existing aircraft.