President Donald Trump has awarded Boeing a multi-billion-dollar contract for the development of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter jet. This announcement, made on March 21, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the modernisation of US military air power.
The US Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative aims to replace Lockheed Martin’s F-22 Raptor with an advanced crewed aircraft designed to operate alongside drones.
Strategic victory for Boeing
Winning the NGAD contract is a significant turnaround for Boeing, which has faced setbacks in both its commercial and defense sectors. The contract is expected to revitalize the company’s fighter jet production in St. Louis, Missouri and bolster its defense operations.
Trump’s cost-cutting agenda
The contract announcement comes as Trump accelerates government cost-cutting measures, though some efforts—such as his executive order to dismantle the Department of Education—have sparked legal and political debate.
Despite prior budget concerns that threatened delays to NGAD, Trump’s administration has pushed the program forward. His decision follows Elon Musk’s skepticism about the effectiveness of high-cost crewed fighters, with Musk advocating for cheaper drone-based alternatives.
