EXCLUSIVE: U.S. President Trump promotes new F-47 sixth generation fighter jet to Japan
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According to information published by The Asahi Shimbun, on May 27, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during which he personally promoted the F-47, Boeing’s newly announced sixth-generation fighter jet. The Asahi Shimbun, a leading national newspaper in Japan, reported that Trump emphasized the need to further reinforce military power to preserve peace in the Indo-Pacific region. Prime Minister Ishiba agreed, supporting deeper defense cooperation between both nations. Trump introduced the F-47 as a platform symbolizing next-generation American air superiority, humorously noting that its designation “47” is a fortunate number that reflects his own position as the 47th president of the United States.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The new F-47 sixth-generation fighter jet, developed by Boeing as part of the US NGAD program, was promoted to Japan by U.S. President Donald Trump during a call with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on May 27, 2025. (Picture source: U.S. Air Force with editing of Army Recognition Group)
The F-47 is the flagship of the U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, designed to replace the F-22 Raptor and ensure U.S. dominance in future contested airspace. Developed by Boeing, the aircraft incorporates sixth-generation technologies, including full-spectrum stealth, adaptive cycle engines for extended range and performance, and artificial intelligence-driven mission systems. Its optionally manned design allows commanders to use the aircraft with or without a pilot, providing greater flexibility across strike, surveillance, and electronic warfare missions. The F-47 is also built with modular open architecture, enabling integration of emerging technologies and faster adaptation to new threats. It is expected to lead future combat formations and serve as the central command node for a network of autonomous drones and allied assets in joint operations.
For Japan, the F-47 represents not only a technological leap but also a possible opportunity to align more deeply with the United States’ future combat air architecture. Currently, Japan is pursuing its own sixth-generation stealth fighter under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) in partnership with the United Kingdom and Italy, aiming to field a domestic solution by 2035. However, considering the speed and scale of regional threats, particularly the People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s growing capabilities, Tokyo may find strategic value in either integrating or evaluating the F-47 alongside GCAP developments. Japan has already proven itself as a reliable operator of advanced U.S. platforms, including the F-15J Eagle and the F-35 Lightning II, of which Japan has procured over 150 units in both the F-35A and F-35B variants, significantly enhancing its stealth strike and air defense roles.
The U.S.–Japan alliance remains the cornerstone of American strategy in the Indo-Pacific. Japan hosts the largest forward-deployed U.S. military presence in the world, with approximately 54,000 American troops stationed across major facilities including Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Yokota Air Base in Tokyo, and Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni. These bases provide critical power projection capability for the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, ensuring rapid response to regional crises, from North Korean missile provocations to potential Taiwan Strait flashpoints. The strategic location of Japan enables U.S. forces to maintain close proximity to key maritime chokepoints and to safeguard major sea lines of communication that are vital to both regional and global trade.
This extensive military footprint also allows for seamless coordination in joint operations and exercises. Bilateral drills such as “Keen Sword,” “Orient Shield,” “Iron Fist,” and “Resolute Dragon” simulate full-spectrum warfare, strengthening interoperability in air defense, amphibious assaults, and cyber-electronic operations. These exercises ensure that both Japanese and American forces are prepared to operate together in a high-threat environment and serve as a deterrent to adversaries seeking to challenge the regional balance of power.
Moreover, Japan is a critical partner in intelligence sharing, ballistic missile defense, and emerging technologies. The deployment of advanced systems like Aegis Ashore, cooperative missile tracking capabilities, and integration into joint space and cyber defense initiatives underscores Japan’s role as a core pillar in regional security. The introduction of the F-47 into this alliance framework could further elevate joint capabilities, placing Japan at the forefront of next-generation air combat alongside the United States.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks to Prime Minister Ishiba signal more than just a product pitch. They reflect a broader intention to maintain U.S. technological leadership, solidify alliances, and ensure that trusted partners like Japan are equipped with the most advanced capabilities available. In an increasingly volatile Indo-Pacific, where military modernization and strategic competition are intensifying, the deep and enduring U.S.–Japan defense relationship remains one of the most vital components of stability and deterrence. The potential transfer or collaboration on the F-47 program would mark a new chapter in that alliance, reinforcing Japan’s strategic weight and the shared commitment to preserving peace through strength.
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According to information published by The Asahi Shimbun, on May 27, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during which he personally promoted the F-47, Boeing’s newly announced sixth-generation fighter jet. The Asahi Shimbun, a leading national newspaper in Japan, reported that Trump emphasized the need to further reinforce military power to preserve peace in the Indo-Pacific region. Prime Minister Ishiba agreed, supporting deeper defense cooperation between both nations. Trump introduced the F-47 as a platform symbolizing next-generation American air superiority, humorously noting that its designation “47” is a fortunate number that reflects his own position as the 47th president of the United States.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The new F-47 sixth-generation fighter jet, developed by Boeing as part of the US NGAD program, was promoted to Japan by U.S. President Donald Trump during a call with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on May 27, 2025. (Picture source: U.S. Air Force with editing of Army Recognition Group)
The F-47 is the flagship of the U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, designed to replace the F-22 Raptor and ensure U.S. dominance in future contested airspace. Developed by Boeing, the aircraft incorporates sixth-generation technologies, including full-spectrum stealth, adaptive cycle engines for extended range and performance, and artificial intelligence-driven mission systems. Its optionally manned design allows commanders to use the aircraft with or without a pilot, providing greater flexibility across strike, surveillance, and electronic warfare missions. The F-47 is also built with modular open architecture, enabling integration of emerging technologies and faster adaptation to new threats. It is expected to lead future combat formations and serve as the central command node for a network of autonomous drones and allied assets in joint operations.
For Japan, the F-47 represents not only a technological leap but also a possible opportunity to align more deeply with the United States’ future combat air architecture. Currently, Japan is pursuing its own sixth-generation stealth fighter under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) in partnership with the United Kingdom and Italy, aiming to field a domestic solution by 2035. However, considering the speed and scale of regional threats, particularly the People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s growing capabilities, Tokyo may find strategic value in either integrating or evaluating the F-47 alongside GCAP developments. Japan has already proven itself as a reliable operator of advanced U.S. platforms, including the F-15J Eagle and the F-35 Lightning II, of which Japan has procured over 150 units in both the F-35A and F-35B variants, significantly enhancing its stealth strike and air defense roles.
The U.S.–Japan alliance remains the cornerstone of American strategy in the Indo-Pacific. Japan hosts the largest forward-deployed U.S. military presence in the world, with approximately 54,000 American troops stationed across major facilities including Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Yokota Air Base in Tokyo, and Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni. These bases provide critical power projection capability for the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, ensuring rapid response to regional crises, from North Korean missile provocations to potential Taiwan Strait flashpoints. The strategic location of Japan enables U.S. forces to maintain close proximity to key maritime chokepoints and to safeguard major sea lines of communication that are vital to both regional and global trade.
This extensive military footprint also allows for seamless coordination in joint operations and exercises. Bilateral drills such as “Keen Sword,” “Orient Shield,” “Iron Fist,” and “Resolute Dragon” simulate full-spectrum warfare, strengthening interoperability in air defense, amphibious assaults, and cyber-electronic operations. These exercises ensure that both Japanese and American forces are prepared to operate together in a high-threat environment and serve as a deterrent to adversaries seeking to challenge the regional balance of power.
Moreover, Japan is a critical partner in intelligence sharing, ballistic missile defense, and emerging technologies. The deployment of advanced systems like Aegis Ashore, cooperative missile tracking capabilities, and integration into joint space and cyber defense initiatives underscores Japan’s role as a core pillar in regional security. The introduction of the F-47 into this alliance framework could further elevate joint capabilities, placing Japan at the forefront of next-generation air combat alongside the United States.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks to Prime Minister Ishiba signal more than just a product pitch. They reflect a broader intention to maintain U.S. technological leadership, solidify alliances, and ensure that trusted partners like Japan are equipped with the most advanced capabilities available. In an increasingly volatile Indo-Pacific, where military modernization and strategic competition are intensifying, the deep and enduring U.S.–Japan defense relationship remains one of the most vital components of stability and deterrence. The potential transfer or collaboration on the F-47 program would mark a new chapter in that alliance, reinforcing Japan’s strategic weight and the shared commitment to preserving peace through strength.
