Israel eyes secretive US F-47 fighter jet, seeks acquisition details

Amidst evolving regional dynamics and a global arms race, Israel is preparing to seek detailed information on Boeing's highly secretive F-47 fighter jet, with the potential aim of acquiring it for the Israeli Air Force (IAF). This move follows years of the United States maintaining a strict policy of not selling its advanced F-22 Raptor fighter jets to any foreign country, preserving its air superiority advantage.

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For years, the United States has refused to sell the F-22 Raptor fighter jet to any foreign country, preserving an aircraft that gives it air superiority over other militaries.

Senior White House officials have recently hinted at the possibility of Japan participating in the F-47 project. This has created uncertainty within Israel's defense establishment, leaving them to question whether these comments signal a genuine US willingness to involve allies or are a diplomatic gesture amid rising tensions with China. Regardless, Israel's Defense Ministry and the IDF intend to formally request information about the F-47's capabilities, alongside their ongoing procurement efforts for F-35 and F-15 fighter jets.

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senior White House officials have hinted that Japan may be allowed to participate in the project.

The F-47 project is shrouded in secrecy, but it is understood to be a sixth-generation aircraft powered by a novel engine facing development challenges. Key requirements include the ability to generate thrust without fuel, enabling an operational range of approximately 2,000 kilometers, sufficient to reach targets in Iran, Iraq, and Yemen. The aircraft is also expected to carry significantly more weaponry than the F-35 and incorporate advanced artificial intelligence, remote operation capabilities, and onboard drones, including UAVs.

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the Defense Ministry and the IDF intend to request information about the F-47 and its capabilities alongside ongoing procurement efforts for F-35 and F-15 fighter jets.

Western experts suggest that, in some configurations, the entire F-47 could be operated remotely. Significant US attention is also focused on the aircraft's connectivity with air, sea, land, and space systems, as well as its aerodynamic performance and a unique stealth profile. Unlike the restrictions placed on the F-22, the US may adopt a different approach to the F-47, potentially allowing allied nations to participate in its development and procurement, though the specifics of Washington's policy remain to be fully determined.

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the ability to generate thrust without fuel, allowing the aircraft to extend its operational range to at least approximately 2,000 kilometers, a distance comparable to the operational radius needed to reach Iran, Iraq, and the Houthis in Yemen.