Trump Calls F-47 ‘Most Lethal Fighter Ever’ at Davos

President Donald Trump on Wednesday described the U.S. military’s sixth-generation stealth fighter jet, the F-47, as the most “lethal warplane ever built,” speaking at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos.

During his remarks, Trump joked about the aircraft’s designation, saying he was curious why the U.S. military chose the number 47 and adding that he could change it if he did not like it.

According to the U.S. Air Force, the F-47 is built with advanced stealth technology designed to evade radar detection. It features a next-generation sensor system that allows pilots to identify and strike targets more quickly and accurately. The aircraft uses a canard design with small forward wings, improving stability, maneuverability, and precision during flight.

The fighter is designed for long-range combat, equipped with advanced missiles capable of striking distant targets, while also remaining effective in close-range dogfights. It can operate alongside autonomous drones, known as Collaborative Combat Aircraft, which are intended to support missions in contested airspace.

Elements of Boeing’s experimental YF-118G “Bird of Prey” program have been incorporated into the F-47’s design, including angled wings for stability and a curved nose structure to reduce air resistance. Compared with earlier generations, the F-47 is intended to be faster to deploy and more adaptable to a wide range of combat scenarios.

In March 2025, the U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing the contract to build the F-47. The service plans to produce at least 185 aircraft, with the first batch expected to enter service by the end of the decade.

Air Force officials say the F-47 will play a critical role in maintaining air superiority in future major conflicts, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region amid the possibility of confrontation with China.