Trump Set to Reveal Next-Generation Fighter Jet Contract Winner Friday

Sources Confirm $20 Billion Deal Announcement

U.S. President Donald Trump is poised to unveil the winner of the Pentagon’s highly anticipated next-generation fighter jet contract, a decision that could reshape the defense industry for decades. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the announcement, slated for Friday at 11 a.m. EDT in the Oval Office alongside Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, will determine the recipient of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program contract, valued at a minimum of $20 billion. This winner-take-all deal pits aerospace giants Lockheed Martin and Boeing against each other, with the victor potentially securing hundreds of billions in orders over the program’s multi-decade lifespan. The NGAD, designed to replace Lockheed Martin’s aging F-22 Raptor, represents a cornerstone of U.S. military strategy, blending crewed aircraft with advanced drone technology to maintain air superiority against formidable adversaries like China and Russia.

The next-generation fighter jet contract has been a focal point of speculation, given its technological and financial stakes. The NGAD program, envisioned as a "family of systems," centers on a sixth-generation fighter equipped with cutting-edge features such as stealth capabilities, advanced sensors, and powerful engines. While the aircraft’s design remains shrouded in secrecy, its role is clear: to ensure the U.S. Air Force stays ahead in an era of escalating global tensions. Lockheed Martin, the world’s largest defense contractor and maker of the stealthy F-35, enters the competition with a strong pedigree in high-end fighters. A win would solidify its dominance in this arena, building on its F-22 and F-35 legacies. Boeing, meanwhile, is battling challenges in both its commercial and defense sectors, making this contract a potential lifeline. A victory could rejuvenate its fighter jet production hub in St. Louis, Missouri, while a loss might deepen its struggles, especially after recent setbacks.

Financially, the next-generation fighter jet contract carries immense weight. The initial engineering and manufacturing development phase alone is pegged at over $20 billion, a figure dwarfed by the long-term potential as production ramps up. The Air Force has earmarked nearly $2.75 billion for NGAD in its 2025 budget, part of a five-year plan totaling $28.46 billion that includes collaborative combat aircraft drones. This investment reflects a strategic pivot under Trump’s administration, which assumed office in January 2025, reversing earlier uncertainties that threatened delays or scope reductions due to budget pressures. The winner will not only gain a massive revenue stream but also influence stock market dynamics, as evidenced by recent movements: Boeing’s shares edged up 0.12%, while Lockheed Martin’s dipped 0.81% on the eve of the announcement.

Strategically, the NGAD program underscores the U.S. commitment to countering near-peer threats. Its blend of crewed and uncrewed systems aims to maximize flexibility and combat effectiveness, incorporating open-architecture standards to manage lifecycle costs. Yet, the decision arrives amid broader debates about military priorities. Billionaire Elon Musk, a key presidential adviser leading the Department of Government Efficiency, has publicly questioned the value of crewed high-end fighters, advocating for cheaper drone alternatives. His stance, voiced last year, contrasts with the NGAD’s current trajectory, potentially foreshadowing future policy shifts despite the program’s crewed focus. Trump’s involvement in the announcement, paired with his recent cost-cutting measures like the executive order dismantling the Department of Education, adds a political layer to the decision, raising questions about how defense spending aligns with his fiscal agenda.

For Lockheed Martin, securing the next-generation fighter jet contract would cap a strong run in stealth technology, though its recent exclusion from the Navy’s carrier-based stealth fighter competition highlights the stakes of this contest. A loss could shift its focus to bolstering F-35 production and expanding F-16 international sales. Boeing, on the other hand, sees NGAD as a chance to reverse its fortunes. Its St. Louis operations, tied to the F-15 and F/A-18, desperately need a boost amid commercial aviation woes and defense program challenges. Industry watchers note that the decision could ripple through the aerospace supply chain, affecting jobs, innovation, and global competitiveness.

As the announcement looms, the NGAD program’s path reflects a blend of continuity and adaptation. Conceived years ago, it faced potential derailment in 2024 due to fiscal constraints and competing Air Force priorities. Yet, a finalized design last year and renewed momentum under Trump signal its readiness to move forward. The Friday reveal, set for 11 a.m. EDT, will mark a defining moment, not just for Lockheed Martin and Boeing, but for the future of U.S. air dominance. With the world watching, the next-generation fighter jet contract winner will inherit a legacy of innovation and a mandate to shape military aviation for generations.