Trump awards Boeing contract to build next-generation US fighter jet

New aircraft, to be called F-47, is intended to operate alongside drones

Donald Trump on Friday awarded Boeing the contract to build the US air force's most sophisticated fighter jet, handing the company a much-needed win.

The Next Generation Air Dominance program will replace Lockheed Martin's F-22 Raptor with a crewed aircraft built to enter combat alongside drones. The plane's design remains a closely held secret, but would probably include stealth, advanced sensors and cutting-edge engines.