US Air Force Boosts F-47 Fighter Development Funding by 65%

The United States Air Force has raised the budget for the development program of its new F-47 fighter jet by 65% for the fiscal year 2027, coinciding with the project's progression into the design, engineering, and actual construction phases.

Budget documents reviewed by the Russian news agency Novosti reveal that $3.05 billion was requested for the project in fiscal year 2026, with a planned increase to $5.04 billion in fiscal year 2027.

Out of the total 2027 budget, $4.92 billion is allocated specifically for development work and testing of the aircraft, while $116.8 million is designated to cover administrative expenses and program management.

The documents also indicate that high funding levels are expected to continue in the coming years. The funding request for 2028 is anticipated to exceed $5.2 billion, and annual funding will not fall below $3.2 billion through 2030.

The engineering development and production phase is scheduled to continue until 2031.

In March 2025, then-President Donald Trump unveiled the F-47 fighter jet, which is intended to be the first sixth-generation combat aircraft.

He described it as "the most advanced, powerful, and lethal" aircraft ever manufactured, noting that a prototype has been flying secretly for approximately five years.