2LT International News

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.