The idea that the Pentagon would push its luck with the F-47, an entirely untested new platform, rather than a proven system like the F-22 is absurd.
There is much confusion coming out of the Trump administration these days as it relates to America’s growing defense budget. Specifically, the administration appears to be uncertain about the Air Force’s next primary warplane.
Currently, the F-22 Raptor holds top billing as the Air Force’s main air superiority warplane. A fifth-generation stealth warplane, this plane is so advanced that the Pentagon still refuses to sell it to US allies such as Britain or Israel. Indeed, the F-22 is still a perfectly good airplane that, for reasons that remain murky, the Air Force desperately wants to get rid of.
While the F-22 is technically an old plane, it does need to be replaced by a costly, less tested sixth-generation warplane. Indeed, the so-called “F-47,” announced by President Donald Trump shortly after he took office, is little more than a vanity exercise for the White House—and a needless handout to America’s already bloated defense sector.
America Can’t Afford Both an “F-47” and an “F-22 Super”
Interestingly, despite its large budget, the Pentagon is having to look at upgrading its 187 F-22s due to fiscal pressures. The Air Force allocated approximately $9 billion through the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) for F-22 modernization, including the Raptor Agile Capability Release (RACR) program for agile software updates in 12- to 180-month cycles. In contrast, NGAD’s FY 2025 funding request stands at $2.75 billion for research and development, plus $557 million for Combat Collaborative Aircraft (CCAs).
In addition, as he was announcing the F-47, Trump also stated he wanted Lockheed Martin, the maker of the F-22, to produce an upgraded variant known as the “F-22 Super.”
Why? What would be the point of costly upgrades to the F-22 if the Trump team was saying they wanted to blow America’s budget on an entirely new F-47 sixth-generation plane?
How the Air Force Is Improving the F-22 Raptor
Some of the key upgrades for what Trump dubbed the “F-22 Super” include:
- Sensor enhancements: A $1 billion contract awarded to Raytheon for advanced infrared threat detection, with work expected to complete by May 2029;
- Stealth and survivability improvements: Enhancements to the Low Observable signature management, Infrared Defensive System (IRDS) for better missile detection, electronic warfare systems, enhanced cybersecurity, and countermeasures;
- Avionics and interfaces: Upgrades to the Pilot Vehicle Interface, new pilot helmets, communications systems, cryptographic features, and dynamic Synthetic Aperture Radar; and
- Integration of advanced tech: Lockheed Martin plans to incorporate elements from the sixth-generation program, making the upgraded F-22 “fifth-generation plus” with improved range for sensing and striking, while maintaining its core strengths like supercruise, supermaneuverability, and sensor fusion.
A key, positive impact of this ordeal has been the backporting of NGAD-derived technologies into the F-22 Super upgrades, enhancing the Raptor’s capabilities and extending its service life int the 2040s without major structural changes. This includes open system architectures for better sensor fusion, extended range sensing and striking, electronic warfare improvements, and integration with Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs), the so-called “loyal wingman” drones.
Of course, the F-22 has already served as a testbed for NGAD tech. The F-22 Super concept just makes its fifth-generation-plus status even more potent.
The overall purpose is to ensure the F-22’s air dominance against evolving threats from adversaries, like China and Russia for at least another decade, with the FY 2026 budget allocated over $90 million specifically for F-22 viability programs.
The F-22 Super has positioned the F-22 as the US Air Force’s primary air dominance asset for the foreseeable future, potentially delaying the NGAD’s full rollout and altering its scope to emphasize affordability and system integration over a single exquisite fighter. Decisions on NGAD’s future are expected in next year’s budget, with ongoing analysis to balance deterrence against peers like China and Russia.
Does America Really Need an F-47 at All?
Given the exorbitant cost of the proposed F-47, and the massive amount of money needed for the F-22 Super, the question remains: why isn’t the Pentagon being made to choose only one of these two expensive platforms?
More importantly, the idea that the Pentagon would push its luck with the F-47, an entirely untested new platform, rather than a proven system like the F-22 is absurd. America doesn’t need the F-47. It needs upgraded F-22s. Trump must pick one—and one is clearly a better choice than the other.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert is a senior national security editor at The National Interest. Recently, Weichert became the host of The National Security Hour on America Outloud News and iHeartRadio, where he discusses national security policy every Wednesday at 8pm Eastern. He is also a contributor at Popular Mechanics and has consulted regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including The Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, The Asia Times, and others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
