Victory over Lockheed Martin boosts Boeing’s defense division amid broader struggles
Boeing (BA) has secured a major victory in the defense sector, winning the U.S. Air Force contract to build its most advanced fighter jet under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, according to sources familiar with the matter. The contract, awarded by President Donald Trump on Friday, represents a significant milestone for Boeing and a setback for rival Lockheed Martin.
The NGAD program aims to replace Lockheed Martin’s F-22 Raptor with a sixth-generation, crewed fighter aircraft designed to operate in tandem with drones. While specific design details remain classified, the aircraft is expected to feature stealth capabilities, cutting-edge engines, and advanced sensor systems to counter threats from adversaries such as China and Russia.
Shares of Boeing rose 5% following the news, while Lockheed Martin’s stock dropped nearly 6%. Both companies declined to comment ahead of the White House’s official announcement, expected Friday morning.
For Boeing, this contract is a much-needed boost for its defense operations, particularly its fighter jet production facility in St. Louis, Missouri. The engineering and manufacturing development portion of the contract is valued at over $20 billion, with the potential for hundreds of billions in future orders over the program’s multi-decade lifespan.
The win comes as Boeing struggles to stabilize its commercial business, especially as it works to ramp up production of its 737 MAX jet. Its defense unit has also faced challenges with underperforming contracts in refueling tankers, drones, and training aircraft.
Lockheed Martin, meanwhile, faces increased uncertainty in the high-end fighter market following this loss and its recent elimination from the Navy’s next-generation stealth fighter competition. The shift toward drone integration has sparked debate, with figures like Elon Musk questioning the long-term relevance of crewed fighter jets in favor of more cost-effective unmanned systems.
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