Trump Teases New ‘F-55’ Fighter Jet

President suggests the aircraft needs two engines for reliability, unlike the single-engine F-35.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 02:00 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A USAF F-35 Lightning II [Credit: U.S. Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

President Trump announced the development of a new twin-engine fighter jet, dubbed the "F-55," citing dissatisfaction with the single-engine design of the F-35.
The F-55 is intended as a "substantial upgrade" focusing on increased reliability and safety with its twin engines, pending an acceptable price point.
Additionally, Trump mentioned plans for a "simple upgrade" for the existing F-35 and a modernized "F-22 Super" version of the F-22 stealth fighter.

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President Donald Trump said the United States is developing a new twin-engine fighter jet he dubbed the “F-55” after voicing displeasure with some aspects of Lockheed Martin’s F-35.

At a meeting of business leaders in Doha, Qatar, attended by the heads of Boeing and GE Aerospace, Trump said his administration is looking at options to upgrade the F-35 but could eventually develop a totally new aircraft.