Investment in nuclear capability modernization remains a top priority, US Air Force Chief of Staff David Alvin said at a House of Representatives hearing.
The Air Force is now actively engaged in the modernization of F-15 and F-35 fighter jets, as well as B-52 strategic bombers. He noted that this must be done in order for the country to “keep up with changing threats“.
Alvin added that the modernization of the US Air Force also includes significant investments in the creation of the sixth-generation F-47 fighter.
Trump awarded the American aerospace corporation Boeing a contract to develop a next-generation fighter under the NGAD (Next-Generation Air Dominance) program, which was named F-47. The president emphasized that the development of the new fighter “has been going on for a long time“, and test flights of the experimental model have been carried out for five years. He expressed confidence that the new fighter will be “significantly better“ in its capabilities compared to aircraft currently in service with other countries.
It is expected to replace the F-22 fighter-bomber. According to American media, the sixth-generation fighter is expected to work in conjunction with unmanned aerial vehicles.