F-47 Fighter Jet Receives $3.5 Billion in 2026 U.S. Defense Allocation

The United States Department of Defense announced a significant investment of $3.5 billion in the development of the F-47 fighter jet, a sixth-generation aircraft under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. This initiative reflects a broader strategic shift in U.S. defense planning, particularly in response to advancements in Chinese military aviation. The F-47 is positioned as a central component of a future air combat ecosystem, intended to replace the F-22 Raptor and enhance the U.S. Air Force’s capabilities in contested environments.

F-47. United States Air Force

The F-47 is being developed by Boeing and is designed to integrate advanced technologies such as adaptive cycle propulsion, stealth-optimized airframes, and digital twin engineering. These features are intended to improve range, survivability, and operational efficiency. A key element of the F-47’s design is its integration with Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), a class of autonomous drones that will operate alongside manned aircraft. These CCAs are expected to perform a variety of roles including reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and kinetic strike missions, thereby extending the operational reach and flexibility of the F-47 without increasing risk to human pilots.

The $3.5 billion allocation includes $2.6 billion in discretionary funding and an additional $900 million pending legislative approval. This funding is part of the Department of Defense’s 2026 budget proposal and is framed as a response to emerging threats, particularly the development of China’s sixth-generation fighter platforms—the Chengdu J-36 and the Shenyang J-50. These Chinese aircraft have been observed undergoing testing since late 2024 and are reported to incorporate advanced stealth features, electronic warfare systems, and potentially directed-energy defenses.

The J-36 is characterized by a trijet configuration and tailless diamond-double-delta wings, suggesting a focus on stealth and long-range operations. It is also believed to be capable of coordinating with unmanned aerial systems, mirroring the U.S. approach with the F-47 and CCAs. The J-50, on the other hand, is designed for naval operations, featuring a compact frame, thrust-vectoring engines, and compatibility with aircraft carriers equipped with electromagnetic catapults. These developments indicate a strategic emphasis by China on expanding its maritime and aerial power projection capabilities.

The U.S. investment in the F-47 is not solely about technological advancement but also reflects a doctrinal evolution toward network-centric warfare. The F-47 is envisioned not just as a standalone platform but as a node within a larger, digitally integrated combat system. This approach emphasizes interoperability, data sharing, and distributed lethality, aligning with broader trends in modern military strategy.

While the F-47 program is still in its early stages, with flight testing and production timelines yet to be fully disclosed, its development marks a significant commitment by the U.S. to maintain air superiority in an increasingly contested global environment. The integration of manned and unmanned systems, coupled with advanced propulsion and stealth technologies, suggests a future in which air combat is defined less by individual platforms and more by the capabilities of interconnected systems.

This strategic posture is further underscored by the Department of Defense’s concurrent investment in the CCA program, which is expected to receive full funding in the 2026 budget. These autonomous systems are being developed by companies such as Anduril and General Atomics, with flight tests anticipated by the end of September 2025. The emphasis on CCAs reflects a recognition of the need for scalable, flexible force multipliers that can adapt to rapidly evolving threat environments.

The F-47 initiative represents a multifaceted response to shifting geopolitical dynamics and technological advancements by peer competitors. It underscores the U.S. military’s focus on maintaining a qualitative edge through innovation, integration, and strategic foresight. As both the U.S. and China continue to develop next-generation air capabilities, the trajectory of programs like the F-47 will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the future balance of power in the air domain.