US Air Force says the F-47 'will fly in this administration' — new super jet set to replace the F-22 is still set to arrive in 2028

Boeing F-47 all set to replace the F-22 Raptor

by · TechRadar

News By Efosa Udinmwen Published 6 August 2026 2 min read

(Image credit: 19FortyFive)

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  • Air Force confirms F-47 remains on schedule for planned 2028 first flight
  • The US Air Force plans to purchase at least 185 advanced F-47 fighter aircraft
  • Billions in funding continue supporting America's future air superiority fighter program

The US Air Force says development of the Boeing F-47 remains on schedule, with the first flight still expected during 2028 under the Next Generation Air Dominance program.

Designed to replace the F-22 Raptor, the sixth-generation fighter has entered engineering and manufacturing development.

Senior Air Force officials maintain that the program remains sufficiently advanced for the aircraft to take flight during the current United States administration.

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Production plans move forward

The engineering and manufacturing development phase focuses on integrating aircraft systems, refining performance, and producing a limited number of test aircraft for evaluation activities.

Officials have not disclosed how many aircraft will be built during testing, although the current phase also includes options supporting low-rate initial production.

According to General Dale White, Director of Critical Major Weapon Systems, the program has benefited from "extreme teaming" with industry partners.

White also said the program entered this development stage with "unprecedented maturity."

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