America closes doors on foreign sales of next-gen F-47 fighter jet

In recent discussions regarding advanced military aircraft, particularly in the United States, it has become clear that foreign buyers are unlikely to purchase the future Lockheed Martin F-47. The F-47 is intended to replace the F-22 Raptor, which was built between 1996 and 2011 and produced only 187 units due to increasing program costs and the U.S. Air Force’s changing requirements. Moreover, the F-22 was never approved for export, primarily due to security concerns related to its advanced capabilities, a situation which might repeat itself with the F-47. This reluctance to export advanced military technology is reflected by former Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall’s statements, which suggest that even allies of the U.S. may not show interest in purchasing an export version. President Donald Trump's administration had hinted at the possibility of a less-capable export version, but Kendall implied that the cost would deter potential buyers. He emphasized that while the U.S. has strong relationships with allies, extensive technology sharing is limited by trust and national security considerations. The competitive landscape for sixth-generation aircraft includes notable foreign developments in Europe, particularly the Tempest stealth fighter, created in the UK and aimed at replacing the Eurofighter Typhoon and Japan's F-2. Additionally, the joint Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS) is also in development, although it has faced delays. These competing programs signify the necessity for European nations to update their fighter fleets and may lead to options that are not available to the U.S. market. As military aviation technology advances rapidly, the challenges in international sales of aircraft like the F-47 may reflect a broader trend. The focus on national security, coupled with the high costs and complex technology involved in developing these aircraft, creates significant barriers to foreign military sales. Consequently, it is expected that the F-47 will have limited appeal in international markets, paralleling the previous experience seen with the F-22.