Latest news with #F-47s
Miami Herald
4 hours ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Trump's F-47 Could Become Sitting Ducks for China
U.S. aircraft, including the in-development F-47 stealth fighter, could be threatened by advanced Chinese weapons at U.S. bases in the Indo-Pacific, experts warn as Washington turns its gaze toward the region and possible Chinese designs on Taiwan. F-47s at U.S. Air Force (USAF) bases in the Indo-Pacific will have to contend with China's mid- and long-range missiles, said John Hemmings, the deputy director for geopolitics at the Council on Geostrategy in the U.K. "Combine that with what some have seen as under-investment in active base defenses, and we see that USAF-like all services and allies-will have critical issues keeping their aircraft safe," Hemmings told Newsweek. There is a "growing cruise and ballistic missile threat" to USAF bases in the Pacific, prompting the U.S. military to take a long look at its air defenses around these facilities, the RAND think tank said in an analysis commissioned by the U.S. Pacific Air Forces and published on Tuesday. China is able to attack "all U.S. bases in the Indo-Pacific region," and defenses around these bases have not kept up with the threats they could face, according to the think tank. The USAF has looked at ways to make air bases in the region more protected, but "improvements to date have been limited, though the threat has advanced substantially," the analysis said. More money has been spent on "active defenses," such as missile systems, but "spending on passive defenses has significantly lagged behind," it continued. Passive defenses can include camouflage and decoys. The U.S. under President Donald Trump has made its intention to turn away from Europe toward the Indo-Pacific clear, sparking a flurry of commitments among European allies to raise defense spending and rely less on American personnel and U.S.-supplied kit. "The U.S. is prioritizing deterring war with China in the Pacific," U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told European allies in Brussels in February, adding, "Together, we can establish a division of labor that maximizes our comparative advantages in Europe and Pacific respectively." Hegseth said on Saturday that Beijing was "preparing to potentially use military force to alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific" and was gearing up for the "real deal" of an invasion push on Taiwan. Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway part of mainland China that it intends to one day reunite under central control. But Taipei, which has established a democratic government, has long asserted its independence from Beijing and aligned itself with Western allies. "The threat China poses is real, and it could be imminent," Hegseth said during a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue defense forum in Singapore. China's Foreign Ministry denounced the speech as "filled with provocations and intended to sow division." "China deplores and firmly opposes them and has protested strongly to the U.S.," Beijing added. Trump announced in March that Boeing would be the main contractor for a new Air Force sixth-generation stealth jet, currently known as the F-47. "Nothing in the world comes even close to it," Trump said at the time. The U.S. Navy's parallel program to get a sixth-generation jet in the air is known as F/A-XX. The Pentagon hopes to prioritize the F-47 development over the F/A-XX, believing going after two programs at once could slow both down, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday. China is developing its own sixth-generation fighter, the J-36. Footage emerged late last year appearing to show a new Chinese stealth fighter flying over the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu. The future F-47, when deployed in the Indo-Pacific, will need fixed bases that would "be under mortal threat" from China's long-range weapons, Tom Shugart, an adjunct senior fellow with the Center for a New American Security think tank, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday. Militaries across the world will have to rethink how they protect their air bases and expensive aircraft after Ukraine pulled off an elaborate, coordinated drone attack on several Russian air bases on Sunday, analysts say. Ukraine said it hit 41 of Russia's aircraft, including at least one of its scarce A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft and several long-range, nuclear-capable bombers. One Ukrainian official said 13 aircraft had been destroyed, which could not be independently verified. Satellite imagery from the Siberian air base of Belaya and Olenya, an Arctic base in Murmansk-just two of the targeted bases-showed several destroyed Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers. Airfields and aircraft "will need to have their passive and active defenses upgraded to deal with this UAV [uncrewed aerial vehicle] threat," said Frederik Mertens, a strategic analyst with the Dutch think tank TNO. "If there ever was a clear call for action, this is it," he told Newsweek. "The genie is out of the bottle." Hemmings added, "We are in a new era of asset vulnerability." Related Articles Map Shows China's Arms Sales Footprint Around the WorldVideo Shows Iranian Warplane Patrol Skies in Show of ForceChina Breaks Silence on Chinese Weapons in India-Pakistan Air WarNATO Ally Gains Ground With Stealth Jet Rivaling U.S. 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Trump's F-47 Could Become Sitting Ducks for China
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. U.S. aircraft, including the in-development F-47 stealth fighter, could be threatened by advanced Chinese weapons at U.S. bases in the Indo-Pacific, experts warn as Washington turns its gaze toward the region and possible Chinese designs on Taiwan. F-47s at U.S. Air Force (USAF) bases in the Indo-Pacific will have to contend with China's mid- and long-range missiles, said John Hemmings, the deputy director for geopolitics at the Council on Geostrategy in the U.K. "Combine that with what some have seen as under-investment in active base defenses, and we see that USAF—like all services and allies—will have critical issues keeping their aircraft safe," Hemmings told Newsweek. There is a "growing cruise and ballistic missile threat" to USAF bases in the Pacific, prompting the U.S. military to take a long look at its air defenses around these facilities, the RAND think tank said in an analysis commissioned by the U.S. Pacific Air Forces and published on Tuesday. President Donald Trump beside an image of an F-47 sixth-generation fighter jet in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on March 21. President Donald Trump beside an image of an F-47 sixth-generation fighter jet in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on March 21. Pool via AP China is able to attack "all U.S. bases in the Indo-Pacific region," and defenses around these bases have not kept up with the threats they could face, according to the think tank. The USAF has looked at ways to make air bases in the region more protected, but "improvements to date have been limited, though the threat has advanced substantially," the analysis said. More money has been spent on "active defenses," such as missile systems, but "spending on passive defenses has significantly lagged behind," it continued. Passive defenses can include camouflage and decoys. The U.S. under President Donald Trump has made its intention to turn away from Europe toward the Indo-Pacific clear, sparking a flurry of commitments among European allies to raise defense spending and rely less on American personnel and U.S.-supplied kit. "The U.S. is prioritizing deterring war with China in the Pacific," U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told European allies in Brussels in February, adding, "Together, we can establish a division of labor that maximizes our comparative advantages in Europe and Pacific respectively." Hegseth said on Saturday that Beijing was "preparing to potentially use military force to alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific" and was gearing up for the "real deal" of an invasion push on Taiwan. Imagery captured by the ESA's Sentinel-2 satellites on May 30 shows Kadena Air Base on Okinawa Island in southwestern Japan. Imagery captured by the ESA's Sentinel-2 satellites on May 30 shows Kadena Air Base on Okinawa Island in southwestern Japan. Copernicus Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway part of mainland China that it intends to one day reunite under central control. But Taipei, which has established a democratic government, has long asserted its independence from Beijing and aligned itself with Western allies. "The threat China poses is real, and it could be imminent," Hegseth said during a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue defense forum in Singapore. China's Foreign Ministry denounced the speech as "filled with provocations and intended to sow division." "China deplores and firmly opposes them and has protested strongly to the U.S.," Beijing added. Imagery captured by the ESA's Sentinel-2 satellites on May 29 shows Andersen Air Force Base on the U.S. territory of Guam. Imagery captured by the ESA's Sentinel-2 satellites on May 29 shows Andersen Air Force Base on the U.S. territory of Guam. Copernicus Trump announced in March that Boeing would be the main contractor for a new Air Force sixth-generation stealth jet, currently known as the F-47. "Nothing in the world comes even close to it," Trump said at the time. The U.S. Navy's parallel program to get a sixth-generation jet in the air is known as F/A-XX. The Pentagon hopes to prioritize the F-47 development over the F/A-XX, believing going after two programs at once could slow both down, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday. China is developing its own sixth-generation fighter, the J-36. Footage emerged late last year appearing to show a new Chinese stealth fighter flying over the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu. The future F-47, when deployed in the Indo-Pacific, will need fixed bases that would "be under mortal threat" from China's long-range weapons, Tom Shugart, an adjunct senior fellow with the Center for a New American Security think tank, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday. Militaries across the world will have to rethink how they protect their air bases and expensive aircraft after Ukraine pulled off an elaborate, coordinated drone attack on several Russian air bases on Sunday, analysts say. Ukraine said it hit 41 of Russia's aircraft, including at least one of its scarce A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft and several long-range, nuclear-capable bombers. One Ukrainian official said 13 aircraft had been destroyed, which could not be independently verified. Satellite imagery from the Siberian air base of Belaya and Olenya, an Arctic base in Murmansk—just two of the targeted bases—showed several destroyed Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers. Airfields and aircraft "will need to have their passive and active defenses upgraded to deal with this UAV [uncrewed aerial vehicle] threat," said Frederik Mertens, a strategic analyst with the Dutch think tank TNO. "If there ever was a clear call for action, this is it," he told Newsweek. "The genie is out of the bottle." Hemmings added, "We are in a new era of asset vulnerability."
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
F-47 — named after Donald Trump, the 47th President, is touted as the world's most lethal weapon; here are the features and statistics of the jet that can destroy anything that flies
F-47 Fighter Jet: America's 'Most Lethal Weapon' Aims for Total Air Dominance- Trump's F-47 fighter jet is making headlines as new details emerge about what's being called the world's most lethal aircraft. Designed to take on top threats from nations like China, the cutting-edge stealth jet is part of President Donald Trump's plan to dominate the skies and modernize the U.S. Air Force. General David Allvin, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, recently unveiled powerful new stats about the jet, which will be operational between 2025 and 2029. Built for speed, stealth, and long-range missions, the F-47 fighter jet is set to become the most advanced combat aircraft ever built by the U.S. What makes Trump's F-47 fighter jet stand out from all others? Two main features set the F-47 jet apart. First is its "Stealth++" rating, a new level of radar invisibility beyond anything in today's Air Force, including the F-22 and F-35. This jet is designed to slip past enemy detection with ease. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Malaysia: New Small Electric Car For Seniors. Prices Might Surprise You. Electric Cars | Search Ads Undo Second is its massive combat radius. The F-47 can fly at least 1,000 nautical miles, nearly 50% farther than the F-15EX, which tops out at 690nm. This extended range means deeper strike capability without needing in-air refueling or nearby bases. It also flies fast. At Mach 2+, it can soar at more than twice the speed of sound, giving the U.S. military a critical edge in fast-response missions. Live Events How many F-47 jets will be built, and who is manufacturing them? At least 185 F-47s are currently on order—matching the entire fleet of F-22 Raptors. The aircraft is being developed by Boeing, a major win for the company, which has recently been trying to regain ground in the defense sector. This project replaces Lockheed Martin's F-22 program, and over time, it could bring in hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue. The F-47 fighter jet will be a central piece of America's air power strategy for decades to come, and Boeing now sits at the center of that effort. What advanced tech powers the F-47 fighter jet? President Trump's F-47 will be more than just a stealth jet—it will also fly with a swarm of AI-powered drones. These robotic wingmen will assist the pilot during missions, handling tasks like surveillance, jamming, and even strikes. The drones are being developed by Anduril Industries and General Atomics, two top U.S. defense tech firms. Together with the jet, they'll form a powerful next-generation aerial team. These drones will be smart, fast, and responsive, taking real-time orders from the F-47 pilot during combat. What did President Trump say about the F-47 fighter jet? President Donald Trump first announced the F-47 in March from the Oval Office, standing alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He called it 'the most advanced, most capable, most lethal aircraft ever built.' He praised its stealth, speed, and power, calling the name 'a beautiful name,' clearly proud that it matches his position as the 47th president of the United States. Trump noted that the naming was chosen by his generals, not himself—but fully supported the choice. Although the total cost hasn't been revealed, insiders close to the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program say the project could exceed $20 billion. How will the F-47 impact U.S. military strategy? General Allvin described the F-47 program as part of a broader strategy to keep the U.S. ahead of its global rivals. He explained that new platforms like this create 'unique dilemmas for adversaries,' and help align capabilities with real-world threats. 'Modernization means fielding a collection of assets that provide speed, agility, and lethality,' Allvin said. The F-47 brings all three—with long-range strike power, AI support, and unmatched stealth. Backed by the full support of President Trump, the F-47 is positioned to lead a new era in U.S. air superiority. Will the F-47 change the future of warfare? Absolutely. With its next-level stealth, extended combat radius, AI drone partnership, and Mach 2+ speed, the F-47 fighter jet is a symbol of what's coming in modern warfare. It's not just another plane—it's a strategic platform built for future conflict. As global tensions rise and technology evolves, this aircraft could give the U.S. a lasting upper hand in the skies. FAQs: Q1: What is Trump's F-47 fighter jet and why is it important? The F-47 is a U.S. stealth jet with long range, stealth++, and drone support, designed for future air dominance. Q2: Who is building the F-47 and how many are being produced? Boeing is producing 185 F-47 jets as part of a major U.S. Air Force modernization program.
Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Incredible details of ‘world's most lethal weapon' emerge…Trump's F47 fighter jet boasts huge range & ‘double X' stealth
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) INCREDIBLE new details about the US jet touted as the "world's most lethal weapon" have emerged, setting out Trump's plan to rule the skies. The chief of the US airforce dropped bombshell new stats about the F-47 - designed to destroy anything China can fly. 6 The state-of-the-art weapons will slice through the air at twice the speed of sound Credit: instagram 6 General David Allvin, US airforce chief, released this graphic Credit: US Air Force 6 The lethal jet is named after Trump - though he insists it wasn't his idea Credit: EPA 6 General David Allvin posted a new graphic showing off America's "next generation of air dominance". He revealed that the incoming F-47 - named after Trump, the 47th president - will be operational in the period 2025-2029. There are two keys stats that mark out the F-47 as the most advanced US jet ever. First is the stealth rating; the next gen fighter is the first to be stamped with "Stealth++" - meaning it will be the most covert yet. And the combat radius was revealed to be at least 1000 nautical miles - much further than the next-highest figure of 690nm from the F-15E(X)E. The general defined the top speed as Mach 2+, which means it will fly at more than twice the speed of sound. We also learned that at least 185 of the F-47s are on order - matching the size of the F-22 fleet. General Alvin vowed that, with the next generation of airborne gadgets, the US air force would "continue to be the world's best example of speed, agility and lethality". He added: "Modernization means fielding a collection of assets that provide unique dilemmas for adversaries - matching capabilities to threats - while keeping us on the right side of the cost curve." The spanking-new jet was first announced back in March by Trump, alongside Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in the Oval Office. US military stages biggest EVER 'elephant walk' with supersonic jets, helicopters & drones in show of force to China At its launched, another key feature was flaunted. Embracing the development of new warfare technology, the F-47 will be accompanied by its own drone swarm. Program coordinators plan to use sophisticated robotic wingmen designed by Anduril Industries and General Atomics in the drones, according to Axios. Trump didn't confirm how much the project would cost, but a source close to the Next Generation Air Dominance pegged it at upwards of $20billion. A huge cash wad has been set aside to fund the programme and ensure America's air defences remain dominant. 6 The F-47 has been stamped with the highest stealth rating ever Credit: instagram 6 Trump proudly unveiled the new-gen jet in March Credit: EPA Two months ago, Trump hailed these jets as 'the most advanced, most capable, most lethal aircraft ever built'. He added: "The F-47 is equipped with state-of-the-art stealth technologies, virtually unseeable and unprecedented power," and called the title a "beautiful name". "There's never been anything like it," he concluded. It's no wonder Trump approves of the name - as it comes from his own position as 47th president. However, he insisted that it was not his own work, but devised by his generals. The contract for the deadly new military aircraft was awarded to the struggling American company Boeing - replacing Lockheed Martin's F-22 Raptor. This marked a major improvement in the company's fortune. Boeing will eventually receive hundreds of billions of dollars in orders over the contract's multi-decade lifetime.
The Irish Sun
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Incredible details of ‘world's most lethal weapon' emerge…Trump's F47 fighter jet boasts huge range & ‘double X' stealth
INCREDIBLE new details about the US jet touted as the "world's most lethal weapon" have emerged, setting out Trump's plan to rule the skies. The chief of the US airforce dropped bombshell new stats Advertisement 6 The state-of-the-art weapons will slice through the air at twice the speed of sound Credit: instagram 6 General David Allvin, US airforce chief, released this graphic Credit: US Air Force 6 The lethal jet is named after Trump - though he insists it wasn't his idea Credit: EPA 6 General David Allvin posted a new graphic showing off America's He revealed that the incoming F-47 - named after Trump, the 47th president - will be operational in the period 2025-2029. There are two keys stats that mark out the F-47 as the most advanced US jet ever. First is the stealth rating; the next gen fighter is the first to be stamped with "Stealth++" - meaning it will be the most covert yet. Advertisement And the combat radius was revealed to be at least 1000 nautical miles - much further than the next-highest figure of 690nm from the F-15E(X)E. The general defined the top speed as Mach 2+, which means it will fly at more than twice the speed of sound. We also learned that at least 185 of the F-47s are on order - matching the size of the F-22 fleet. General Alvin vowed that, with the next generation of airborne gadgets, the US air force would "continue to be the world's best example of speed, agility and lethality". Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Latest He added: "Modernization means fielding a collection of assets that provide unique dilemmas for adversaries - matching capabilities to threats - while keeping us on the right side of the cost curve." The spanking-new jet was first announced back in March by Trump, alongside in the Oval Office . US military stages biggest EVER 'elephant walk' with supersonic jets, helicopters & drones in show of force to China At its launched, another key feature was flaunted. Embracing the development of new warfare technology, the F-47 will be accompanied by its own drone swarm. Advertisement Program coordinators plan to use sophisticated robotic wingmen designed by Anduril Industries and General Atomics in the drones, according to . Trump didn't confirm how much the project would cost, but a source close to the Next Generation Air Dominance pegged it at upwards of $20billion. A huge cash wad has been set aside to fund the programme and ensure America's air defences remain dominant. 6 The F-47 has been stamped with the highest stealth rating ever Credit: instagram Advertisement 6 Trump proudly unveiled the new-gen jet in March Credit: EPA Two months ago, Trump hailed these jets as 'the most advanced, most capable, most lethal aircraft ever built'. He added: "The F-47 is equipped with state-of-the-art stealth technologies, virtually unseeable and unprecedented power," and called the title a "beautiful name". "There's never been anything like it," he concluded. Advertisement It's no wonder Trump approves of the name - as it comes from his own position as 47th president. However, he insisted that it was not his own work, but devised by his generals. The contract for the deadly new military aircraft was awarded to the struggling American company Boeing - replacing Lockheed Martin's F-22 Raptor. Read more on the Irish Sun This marked a major improvement in the company's fortune. Advertisement Boeing will eventually receive hundreds of billions of dollars in orders over the contract's multi-decade lifetime. List of fighter jets used by the Air Force THE US Air Force uses four different F-series fighter jets. Here is an inside look at the top-tier weapons. F-15 Eagle - This is an extremely maneuverable fighter built to operate in all weather conditions. According to the Air Force, the Eagle can, "penetrate enemy defense and outperform and outright any current enemy aircraft." F-16 Fighting Falcon - This craft is more compact and can have several roles in the Air Force. It's quick and excels in air-to-air combat. The Falcon, "provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and allied nations." F-22 Raptor - The Raptor is the pinnacle of US air combat excellence. This model takes a more operational role in the skies with stealth capabilities that are ideal for recon missions. The jet assists multiple military branches and "cannot be matched by any known or projected fighter aircraft." F-35A Lightning II - This model is an upgraded version of the Air Force's aging fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10 Thunderbolt II's. The jets, "bring with it an enhanced capability to survive in the advanced threat environment in which it was designed to operate."
