On 22nd September 2025, the U.S. Air Force announced a major milestone in its pursuit of next-generation air superiority: the start of manufacturing for the F‑47 sixth-generation fighter jet which is part of the USAF’s Next Generation Air Dominance scheduled to take its first flight in 2028. The F‑47 represents a bold leap in aerial combat technology, intended to eventually replace the F‑22 Raptor and maintain U.S. dominance in highly contested airspace. In March 2025, Boeing was officially selected by the Air Force as the prime contractor for the program, winning a competitive bid against Lockheed Martin, the longtime producer of advanced stealth fighters including the F‑22 and F‑35. But the F‑47 is more than just a manned fighter; it is designed to act as a “quarterback” in a networked family of systems. Coordinating with multiple autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft, also known as loyal wingmen drones, the F‑47 can extend its sensor range, carry additional munitions, perform high-risk missions, and even serve as a decoy, all while keeping the pilot out of harm’s way. This integration of manned and unmanned systems is one of the defining features of the sixth-generation fighter concept.—————