Boeing has grabbed a major contract to develop the F-47, a next-generation fighter jet, marking a major comeback for the aerospace giant.
Announced by President Donald Trump on March 21, 2025, alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the deal sees Boeing tasked with producing the sixth-generation fighter for the U.S. Air Force. The F-47, touted as a technological marvel, has been under secret testing for five years and is set to secure American air superiority by 2030.
But beyond the jet’s advanced capabilities, the deal represents a lifeline for Boeing, which has faced a decade of financial setbacks and missteps. From the tragic 737 MAX crashes to cost overruns on military projects, Boeing’s future in the defense sector was uncertain. The company’s stock value had plummeted from $240 billion in 2019 to under $130 billion by 2024.
The F-47 contract, worth an initial $20 billion, promises to stabilize Boeing’s defense division, particularly its St. Louis facility. The deal’s potential for further growth has sparked optimism, with Boeing’s stock rising by 5% after the announcement.
For Boeing, this contract isn’t just about building a fighter jet—it’s about restoring its place at the forefront of American defense.