Trump to Announce Sixth-Gen Fighter Winner—Boeing or Lockheed Martin?

U.S. President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are expected to announce the winner of the U.S. Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter jet contract from the Oval Office soon.

Hegseth described the upcoming decision as a pivotal moment for U.S. military air power, stating, “Big announcement tomorrow for DoD. President of the United States leading the way on the future of American power.”

Lockheed Martin and Boeing are competing for the multi-decade, winner-takes-all contract valued at more than $20 billion, with potential long-term orders worth hundreds of billions.

The NGAD program aims to replace the F-22 Raptor with a sixth-generation fighter designed to operate alongside autonomous drones. The aircraft’s design is classified but is expected to feature stealth, advanced sensors, and new propulsion technology. The Air Force has allocated $19.6 billion over five years for the program, making it the service’s most expensive research and development initiative.

For Boeing, securing the contract would provide a significant boost to its defense business, particularly its St. Louis fighter jet production line. A loss, however, could deepen its ongoing struggles in both commercial and military sectors.

Lockheed Martin's NGAD win would secure its position in high-end military aviation after its March 5, 2025, elimination from the U.S. Navy's F/A-XX program. The F/A-XX project aims to develop a sixth-generation deck-based fighter to replace the F/A-18 Hornet. Lockheed Martin's design reportedly failed to meet the Navy's criteria, leaving Boeing and Northrop Grumman to proceed. The aircraft is projected to replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet. If Lockheed loses, it may focus on expanding sales of the F-35 and F-16.

The NGAD effort also includes the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program, with General Electric and Pratt & Whitney awarded $3.5 billion each to develop prototype engines. These adaptive engines are designed to adjust fuel efficiency and thrust based on mission needs, with prototype testing expected by the end of the decade.