U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to announce a decision on the Pentagon's next-generation fighter jet contract on Friday. This contract is valued at a minimum of $20 billion and aims to replace the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor. The decision is part of the U.S. military's “Next Generation Air Dominance” (NGAD) program, which plans to develop a new type of manned aircraft capable of conducting combat missions alongside drones. The specific design of the aircraft remains highly confidential but is expected to feature stealth capabilities, advanced sensors, and cutting-edge engines.
Currently, Lockheed Martin and Boeing are vying for this strategically significant contract. The ultimate winner will secure orders worth hundreds of billions of dollars over the multi-decade term of the contract. For Boeing, winning this contract would signal a major turnaround in its commercial and defense sectors; failure could be a severe blow. For Lockheed Martin, successfully securing this contract would further reinforce its leadership in high-end defense products, particularly the ongoing momentum of the stealth fighter F-35.
Trump's schedule indicates he will announce the decision at 11 AM GMT in the Oval Office at the White House, with Defense Secretary Pete Haegseth present. Sources reveal that the announcement time has been set, marking a pivotal moment in this intense business competition.
