WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Friday that the sixth generation of U.S. fighter jets will be built by Boeing.

He announced the estimated $20 billion contract award at the White House with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force leadership.

The new manufacturing site for the fighter jets will be part of Boeing’s $1.8 billion expansion project in north St. Louis County, near St. Louis Lambert International Airport.  

“St. Louis County is an enthusiastic partner of Boeing, and this will be an incredible boost to the region’s economy,” St. Louis County Executive Sam Page said Friday in a statement.

“We are pleased that St. Louis County provided tax incentives to make this exciting project in north St. Louis County possible.”

Approximately 500 direct jobs will be created thanks to the contract and "many" more in supporting industries, according to the St. Louis County Council.

“This is a monumental win for north St. Louis County,” St. Louis County Council Chairwoman Rita Days said in a statement. “Boeing’s decision to anchor this program here reflects our skilled workforce and strategic location.”

In 2023, St. Louis County Council approved roughly $155 million in tax incentives for Boeing's expansion. 

"As construction and production ramp up, St. Louis County is ready to assist Boeing in delivering these advanced fighters," a statement on behalf of the County Council says.

The fighter jets are part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program and will be named F-47.

“Today’s announcement is a momentous day both for St. Louis and the country as the production of next generation fighter jets will be in the Show Me State,” Sen. Eric Schmitt said in a statement.

The AP reports the fighter jets will have “stealth and penetration capabilities that far exceed those of its current fleet and are essential in a potential conflict with China.”

In a statement, St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones said Friday's announcement is exciting for Boeing and the St. Louis region. 

“The City will remain a strong partner as we continue to promote St. Louis as a leader in innovation and industry," she said.

Schmitt has been a long-time advocate for the NGAD program to continue.

“This has been a key priority for me since I arrived in the Senate, and I’ve been a fierce advocate not only to keep the program but for Boeing to be the one to build it,” Schmitt said.

“This program is key for the United States to maintain and expand our air superiority and will bring thousands of new jobs to Missouri. These next-gen fighters will be crucial as we face new challenges that will undoubtedly come from our greatest adversary, China. I am proud that Missouri will be helping to lead the fight to defend our nation.”

In a statement, Congresswoman Ann Wagner said Friday’s announcement is “amazing” for the St. Louis region. 

“Boeing has already made massive investments in Missouri to support next generation fighter aircraft and good-paying jobs in our communities,” she said. 

“I want to thank President Trump for his leadership in trusting the hardworking men and women in our great state to build the F-47, which will undoubtedly be the most advanced stealth fighter jet in the world.”

Wagner added, “I have been proud to work with so many partners in our local defense industrial base, and I will continue to provide all the federal support necessary to bolster our state’s economy and our national defense.”