US Air Force Faces Procurement Challenges for F-47 Amid Rising Chinese Threat

• •US Air Force plans to procure the F-47 fighter jet amid rising Chinese military threats.
• •Cost estimates for the F-47 range from $100 million to $300 million per unit.
• •Historical spending on F-15 and F-22 informs the need for at least 300 F-47s.

The US Air Force is evaluating its procurement strategy for the F-47 fighter jet to maintain air superiority against China's growing military capabilities, particularly the J-20 stealth fighter. Cost estimates for the F-47 range from $100 million to $300 million per aircraft, with a target of 200 units suggested by former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall. Historical spending on the F-15 and F-22 provides context for these decisions, as the Air Force is urged to consider a larger purchase of at least 300 F-47s to effectively counter Chinese advancements. The procurement schedule remains unclear, with a debut flight targeted for 2028. The Air Force's current approach reflects a shift back to Cold War-era priorities, focusing on strategic air dominance rather than counter-terrorism operations. The urgency of these decisions is heightened by the rapid increase in Chinese military capabilities, which could see up to 1,000 fifth-generation fighters by 2030.