Senator Schmitt Praises President Trump and Secretary Hegseth’s Choice of Boeing to Build Sixth Generation Fighter
WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) released the statement below following President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s joint announcement that the next generation of US fighter jets, a key part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, will be built by Boeing in St. Louis, Missouri:
“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. 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. I want to thank President Trump, Defense Secretary Hegseth, and Armed Services Chairman Wicker for their leadership on this issue. 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,” said Senator Eric Schmitt.
Background
- Senator Schmitt has long been an advocate for the NGAD program to continue, arguing in a 2024 op-ed with Senator Wicker that the program is critical to maintaining air superiority.
- Senator Schmitt and Senator Wicker fought to keep the NGAD program on stable footing in the FY2024 NDAA
- Senator Schmitt has raised this issue in speeches, committee hearings, and other settings.
- President Trump and Secretary Hegseth’s announcement remarks can be found here.
