Trump Unveils the F-47 Fighter: It 'Has Secretly Been Flying for Almost 5 Years'; Enemies 'Won't Know What the Hell Hit Them' (March 21, 2025)

President Donald Trump revealed America’s next fighter jet in the Oval Office, and said it had been flying in secret. “The F-47 will be the most advanced, most capable, most lethal aircraft ever built. An experimental version of the plane has secretly been flying for almost 5 years, and we’re confident that it massively overpowers the capabilities of any other nation,” Trump said on March 21, 2025, according to the transcript published by the American Presidency Project [1].

“I’m thrilled to announce that, at my direction, the United States Air Force is moving forward with the world’s first sixth-generation fighter jet,” he said [1].

The video above shows the announcement in the Oval Office on March 21, 2025. Quotes are from the American Presidency Project and the Federal Register [1][2].

”They Won’t Know What the Hell Hit Them”

Trump described the plane. “The F-47 is equipped with state-of-the-art stealth technology. It’s virtually unseeable and unprecedented power,” he said [1].

“America’s enemies will never see it coming. Hopefully, we won’t have to use it for that purpose, but you have to have it. And if it ever happens, they won’t know what the hell hit them,” Trump said [1].

“After a rigorous and thorough competition between some of America’s top aerospace companies, the Air Force is going to be awarding the contract for the Next Generation Air Dominance platform to Boeing,” he said [1].

“But this plane flies with drones. It flies with many, many drones—as many as you want,” Trump said [1].

”Toned-Down Versions”

He said allies want the plane too. “Our allies are calling constantly. They want to buy them also, and we’ll—certain allies, we’ll be selling them, perhaps, toned-down versions,” Trump said. “We like to tone them down about 10 percent, which probably makes sense, because someday, maybe, they’re not our allies. Right?” [1]

“Under the Previous Administration, We Looked Like Fools”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Biden team had stalled the program. “Rebuild our military, which the previous administration did not do, by the way, Mr. President. They paused this program——” Hegseth said. “Right,” Trump said [1].

“——and were prepared to potentially scrap it. We know this is cheaper, longer range, and more stealthy. President Trump said, ‘We’re reviving it,’ and we’re doing it,” Hegseth went on. “Under the previous administration, we looked like fools. Not anymore.” [1]

“We’ve had the F-15. We have the—had the F-16, the F-18, the F-22, the F-35. Now we have the F-47, which sends a very direct, clear message to our ally—allies that we’re not going anywhere,” Hegseth said [1].

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin added: “You know, air dominance is not a birthright, but it’s become synonymous with American air power. But air dominance needs to be earned every single day.” [1]

“Record Numbers of People Wanting to Join”

Trump credited Hegseth with a turnaround in recruiting. “Now, if you go back 6 months, it was the exact opposite. You had record numbers of people not wanting to join the military. Now you have record numbers of people wanting to be in our military,” he said [1].

”Just as Fake as CNN”

A reporter asked about a New York Times story that Elon Musk was to be briefed on war plans for China. “Because I don’t want to show it to anybody. You know, you’re talking about a potential war with China,” Trump said [1].

“We don’t want to have a potential war with China. But I can tell you, if we did, we’re very well equipped to handle it,” he said. “But certainly, you wouldn’t show it to a businessman who is helping us so much. He’s a great patriot.” [1]

“But it was such a fake story. The New York Times is just as fake as CNN and MSDNC,” Trump said [1].

”Coming Out of the Department of Education”

Trump opened with news on his plan to close the Education Department. “I do want to say that I’ve decided that the SBA—the Small Business Administration—headed by Kelly Loeffler, who is terrific person, will handle all of the student loan portfolio,” he said [1].

“And also, Bobby Kennedy, the Health and Human Services, will be handling special needs and all of the nutrition programs and everything else,” Trump said [1].

By the Numbers

6th: generation, the world’s first fighter of its kind, per Trump [1].
Almost 5 years: an experimental version had flown in secret, per Trump [1].
10 percent: how much Trump said versions for allies would be toned down [1].

What Happened Next

The Pentagon got its old name back. On Sept. 5, 2025, Trump signed Executive Order 14347, “Restoring the United States Department of War.” It says: “The name ‘Department of War,’ more than the current ‘Department of Defense,’ ensures peace through strength, as it demonstrates our ability and willingness to fight and win wars on behalf of our Nation at a moment’s notice, not just to defend.” [2]

“On August 7, 1789, 236 years ago, President George Washington signed into law a bill establishing the United States Department of War to oversee the operation and maintenance of military and naval affairs,” the order says [2].

For Trump’s first Cabinet meeting, see HYGO News’ page on Feb. 26, 2025. For Karoline Leavitt on the strikes on the Houthis four days earlier, see the page on March 17, 2025.