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 Argentina Star 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 Argentina Star.
More InformationDOHA, Qatar: President Donald Trump has floated the idea of a new twin-engine warplane, potentially called the F-55, along with a significant...
WASHINGTON, DC - A coalition of 29 U.S. senators, spanning both parties, introduced a resolution on Thursday calling on the Trump administration...
For decades, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has been vital in combating HIV across the Asia–Pacific region, where...
MIAMI, Florida: Ken Griffin, the CEO of Citadel and a billionaire investor announced this week he would loan his rare first-edition...
GAZA - Israel Air Force pilots have heavily bombarded Gaza this week, killing hundreds and severely wounding hundreds more. The...
DOHA, Qatar: Boeing secured its largest widebody aircraft deal this week, as Qatar Airways placed firm orders for 160 jets with options...
CORAOPOLIS, Pennsylvania: Dick's Sporting Goods is set to acquire Foot Locker in a US$2.4 billion deal, marking the second major footwear...
BENTONVILLE, Arkansas: Walmart shoppers are bracing for price hikes as the world's largest retailer prepares to pass on the impact...
CHICAGO, Illinois: U.S. cattle farmers have either started rebuilding their herds or are close to it, according to Tyson Foods CEO...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Smartphone shipments to the United States jumped 30 percent in March as manufacturers including Apple, Samsung, and...
CHICAGO, Illinois: Kraft Heinz is committing US$3 billion to revamp its U.S. manufacturing plants, marking its largest investment in...
STOCKHOLM, Sweden: Sweden plans to propose that the European Union join the Pacific Rim trading bloc, the CPTPP, aiming to create the...