Robert Besser
19 May 2025, 03:59 GMT+10
DOHA, Qatar: President Donald Trump has floated the idea of a new twin-engine warplane, potentially called the F-55, along with a significant upgrade to the F-22 Raptor, dubbed the F-22 Super.
Speaking at a meeting of business leaders in Doha this week, Trump suggested that the U.S. was exploring the development of a "best value" fighter jet as well as enhancements to its existing stealth fighter capabilities.
"We're going to do an F-55 – I think, if we get the right price, we have to get the right price – that'll be two engines and a super upgrade on the F-35," Trump said. "And then we're going to do the F-22. I think the most beautiful fighter jet in the world is the F-22, but we're going to do an F-22 Super, and it'll be a very modern version."
Trump's remarks came a day after he announced a $200 billion deal for 160 Boeing commercial jets during his visit to Qatar. He referred to the F-55 both as a potential evolution of the Lockheed F-35 and as a distinct new aircraft – a comment analysts said could indicate a broader plan to develop a two-engine fighter platform.
Lockheed Martin, which lost out to Boeing in a recent competition for a next-generation fighter, is now considering how to reconfigure its F-35 platform for future contracts. Lockheed CEO James Taiclet said the company is exploring ways to transform the F-35 into a "fifth-generation-plus" fighter, delivering "80% of the capability for half the cost."
Lockheed is also in the middle of a delayed upgrade for the current generation of F-35 strike fighters, aimed at enhancing cockpit displays and processing power.
Meanwhile, the F-22 upgrade would mark a significant reversal for the Air Force, which has been pushing to retire its aging F-22 fleet in favor of the new Boeing F-47, a sixth-generation fighter that will include manned jets accompanied by a squadron of drones.
Trump emphasized the need to "go with it pretty quickly," suggesting that timelines for these projects could be accelerated. However, analysts expressed skepticism about how these proposals fit into existing defense budgets and whether they align with ongoing Navy and Air Force plans for new aircraft development.
Get a daily dose of Belfast Bulletin news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Belfast Bulletin.
More InformationWASHINGTON, DC - U.S. President Donald Trump re-ignited his trade war on Friday with an extraordinary attack on the European Union...
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], May 21 (ANI): Impressed with the disruptive Breast Cancer advocacy initiatives spearheaded by Ushalakshmi...
GEORGIA, USA, 14th April, 2025 (WAM) -- Rory McIlroy beat Justin Rose in a play-off to win The Masters and join golf's most exclusive...
LONDON, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Britain's average house prices rose by 6.4 percent in the year to March 2025, reaching 271,000 pounds (about...
Police chiefs- Register now for Operation Dry Water 2025 BUI enforcement weekend
Video- Car theft suspect flees in vehicle, runs across rooftops before arrest
BRUSSELS, Belgium: European Union antitrust regulators are examining fees imposed by payment giants Visa and Mastercard, Bloomberg...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. Army plans to change the records of transgender soldiers to list only their sex at birth, according to a...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said this week that it will require airlines to reduce the number of flights...
GAZA - The home of a doctor working in the emergency room at the Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gaza was struck by Israel Air...
ORLANDO, Florida: For years, Universal Orlando played second fiddle to Disney's sprawling empire in Central Florida. Now, with the...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. Transportation Department is expected to say that fuel economy rules created under President Joe Biden went...