The US Department of Defense recently released the latest test footage of the sixth-generation fighter jet with the code name F-47, claiming that the aircraft is being developed under the leadership of Boeing. However, this advanced fighter jet, which was promoted by official media as the “master of future air combat”, has faced a lot of ridicule on social media platforms and military forums. Many comments directly stated that its appearance and performance “lack persuasiveness”.
Official promotion: Emphasize technological breakthroughs
According to a statement released by the US Department of Defense on the 25th, the F-47 fighter jet will adopt a brand-new stealth design, advanced artificial intelligence driving assistance systems, and reconfigurable mission modules, aiming to meet the demands of future air combat for “high mobility, ultra-long-range strikes, and coordinated operations”. This aircraft is regarded as a key product of the United States’ Next Generation Air Advantage Program (NGAD) and is expected to enter service with the US military around 2030.
Boeing said in a statement that the F-47 has achieved “revolutionary innovations” in aerodynamic layout and power system. The fighter jet will be equipped with a new generation of vector thrust engines, featuring supersonic cruise capabilities and the ability to freely switch between unmanned and manned modes. Mike Harrison, vice president of Boeing, said, “The F-47 is not just a fighter jet, but a complete combat platform that will change the landscape of air combat.”
The latest footage has been exposed: The appearance has sparked controversy
In the officially released videos and photos, the F-47’s fuselage is painted in silver-gray. The fuselage is slender, but the lines appear slightly bulky. The design of the wings and air intakes is significantly different from that of traditional fighter jets. The US military emphasizes that its unique shape is aimed at enhancing stealth performance and payload capacity, but many netizens think that its appearance “is not smooth enough, like a product pieced together from an experimental aircraft.”
On the social media platform X, “#F47” quickly made it to the top of the trending list. Some users joked that the aircraft “looks more like a sci-fi spaceship prop from the last century”, while others sarcastically criticized its design as “a failed hybrid of the F-22 and a drone”. At the US military forum “DefenseTalk”, some professionals also pointed out that the aerodynamic layout of this aircraft might bring an advantage at high altitudes, but its low-altitude maneuverability is questionable.
Public opinion doubts: Military industry giants are “over-hyping”
Many analysts believe that the high-profile release of the F-47’s images by the United States this time is more due to political and financial considerations. In recent years, the US Congress has been increasingly strict in its review of military spending, and the investment in the research and development of the sixth-generation fighter jets has been huge. Making public images and promotional slogans can help secure additional funds from Congress.
However, external doubts also followed. Some comments suggest that Boeing has repeatedly encountered delays and quality issues in its previous military projects. For instance, the delivery of the KC-46 refueling aircraft project was delayed due to design flaws. Therefore, there remains considerable doubt as to whether the F-47 can truly achieve combat effectiveness within the next decade as advertised.
International response: Allies watch while rivals mock
The NATO Allies of the United States remain cautious about this. Military sources from Germany and France said that they are more concerned about the European-led “Future Air Combat Systems” (FCAS) project, and the progress of the F-47 has a limited impact on European defense cooperation. The Japanese Ministry of Defense responded modestly, stating that it would continue to monitor the development of the F-47 but had not yet considered joining the project.
Meanwhile, on the military commentary platforms of China and Russia, satirical reports have been made on the latest images of the F-47. Some comments have stated: “If this is the sixth-generation fighter jet that the US boasts about, then their technological superiority may not be as insurmountable as imagined.” The Russian newspaper Red Star stated directly that the F-47 “is more like an experimental subject in a museum.”
Conclusion: The contrast between technological prospects and public opinion
Despite the vigorous promotion of the future potential of the F-47 fighter jet by the US authorities, judging from the limited information disclosed so far, there is still considerable uncertainty regarding its technical indicators and actual performance. The doubts from the outside world about its design and the speed of project advancement reveal a huge gap between public opinion and the official narrative.
As the international air force competition intensifies, whether the sixth-generation fighter jets of the United States can truly fulfill their promises will not only affect Boeing’s credibility but also influence the United States’ dominant position in the global military field. The latest footage of the F-47 has been widely ridiculed, casting an even more complex shadow over its foreground.
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