Summary and Key Points: The U.S. Air Force’s new sixth-generation stealth fighter, the F-47, won’t replace the versatile F-35 Lightning II.
-While the F-47 will focus on air dominance, carrying advanced weapons and commanding drone operations, the F-35 continues to provide unmatched multirole capability, global interoperability, and joint operational effectiveness.
PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 9, 2022) An F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) launches from the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during joint Exercise Noble Fusion. Noble Fusion demonstrates that Navy and Marine Corps forward-deployed stand-in naval expeditionary forces can rapidly aggregate Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group teams at sea, along with a carrier strike group, as well as other joint force elements and allies, in order to conduct lethal sea-denial operations, seize key maritime terrain, guarantee freedom of movement, and create advantage for US, partner and allied forces. Naval Expeditionary forces conduct training throughout the year, in the Indo-Pacific, to maintain readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Thomas B. Contant) 220209-N-BX791-1299
-With over 1,110 produced, the F-35 has proven its value in real-world conflicts and partnerships, enhancing deterrence globally.
-Even as the U.S. moves forward with next-generation platforms like the F-47 and B-21 Raider, the F-35 remains integral to national and allied defense strategies, ensuring air superiority and adaptability across the spectrum of conflict.
F-47 vs. F-35: A Real Problem?
The United States has three extremely advanced fighter jets. Two are strictly air superiority fighters: the stealth F-22 Raptor and the aircraft that will replace it, the sixth-generation stealth air-dominance F-47 fighter, which emerged from the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. The F-35 is a multirole stealth aircraft capable of air-superiority and attack modes.
The U.S. is also moving forward with a sixth-generation bomber, the B-21 Raider, designed for deep-penetration missions in heavily defended airspace. The Raider will help the United States maintain air superiority in the next decade or so.
But will the production of the F-47 spell the end of the F-35 program?
The F-35 Program Is Vital To the U.S. and Our Allies
The F-35 Lightning II is the world’s most produced fifth-generation fighter. It is a single-seat, single-engine, supersonic stealth strike fighter. A multirole combat aircraft designed for air superiority and strike missions, it also has unmatched Electronic Warfare and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance capabilities.
As of January 2025, more than 1,110 F-35s had been built. Lockheed Martin plans to produce another 170-190 F-35 fighters for the U.S. and its allies this year. The United States operates slightly more than half of the fighters, with the rest going to allies worldwide, giving them unmatched capabilities over their adversaries.
“The F-35 Fighter is the best warplane on Earth today—period, end of discussion,” said Harry Kazianis, then-senior director at the Center for the National Interest, speaking to Forbes. “However, while today drones can’t replace the firepower and once-in-a-generation technology the F-35 provides, the Air Force and Lockheed need to think carefully about how drones will shape future wars.” Kazianis is now the editor-in-chief of 19FortyFive.
The F-35 Lightning II provides stability, interoperability, and unmatched value. It reinforces the value of U.S. international partnerships and allows shared deterrence through seamless collaboration.
Despite all of the criticisms it faces, the F-35 is the most advanced aircraft in the world, delivering an unrivaled advantage to the U.S. and its allies. As a decisive force multiplier, it is also the most connected fighter jet in the world—increasing pilot survivability and ensuring the U.S. and allied nations stay ahead of every threat.
The F-47 Is The Next US Air Dominance Fighter
The unveiling of the contract to develop the F-47 sixth-generation stealth fighter surprised everyone on March 21. The NGAD project was obscured in a thick cloud of secrecy and the source of all kinds of rumors. First, we heard that the plane had first flown five years ago. According to other rumors, there wasn’t even a design for the plane. But speculation was put to rest when the contract was announced.
Air Force Chief of Staff David Allvin made the following statement on March 21 after the contract was awarded to Boeing. “For the past five years, the x-planes for this aircraft have been quietly laying the foundation for the F-47, flying hundreds of hours, testing cutting-edge concepts, and proving that we can push the envelope of technology with confidence.”
“While our X-planes were flying in the shadows, we were cementing our air dominance – accelerating the technology, refining our operational concepts, and proving that we can field this capability faster than ever before. Because of this, the F-47 will fly during President Trump’s administration,” General Allvin added.
The F-47 is expected to carry hypersonic weapons, or even lasers. It will be a “family or system of systems,” which could include the ability to be a “drone quarterback” controlling Collaborative Combat Aircraft unmanned warbirds. The F-47 and F-35 will share this role in common: They will both control and lead multiple drones in combat.
This is important, because the F-47 won’t operate as a lone stealth fighter. It will act as a command-and-control hub in the skies, where its advanced sensors, longer range, and survivability will command several attack drones.
The F-35 Isn’t Going Anywhere
The F-47 might be sold to U.S. allies, although this is not definitively known. Acquisitions by the staunchest U.S. allies would definitely lower the program’s overall cost.
But the F-35 will remain a big, dedicated part of the U.S. inventory.
Stealth F-35C. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
The F-35 Lightning II has repeatedly proven its worth as a real-world deterrent. F-35s in the hands of allies patrol Europe’s eastern border to keep tabs on Russian activities, while Israel has shown how well its stealth works by slipping its F-35s into Iran uncontested to destroy air defenses, as well as a nuclear-research facility.
The F-35 is built for interoperability and links allied forces into a joint network of real-time data and analysis. The U.S. Air Force and allies, flying an American-built fifth-generation fighter, embody deterrence with proven strength.
About the Author:
Steve Balestrieri is a 19FortyFive National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing for 19FortyFive, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
