美國政府快速批准F-47戰機計劃引發專家質疑

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(Air Force)

2025年3月21日，美國總統唐納·川普宣布，將由波音公司開發下一代空中優勢戰鬥機（Next Generation Air Dominance, NGAD），並命名為F-47。 然而，前空軍部長法蘭克·肯德爾（Frank Kendall）對此決定表示擔憂，質疑政府是否過於倉促地做出這一重大承諾。 

戰略適切性與成本考量

肯德爾指出，F-47的設計旨在執行深入敵方領土的「穿透性制空」（Penetrating Counter Air, PCA）任務，這需要面對強大的防空系統。他質疑，對於像中國或俄羅斯這樣擁有核武器的國家，這種作戰模式是否合理。他建議，或許更應該考慮專注於防禦性制空（Defensive Counter-Air, DCA）或多功能設計，如F-35戰機，甚至與無人機協同作戰的平台。 

預算與優先事項的挑戰

肯德爾強調，F-47計劃在未來五年內將需要數百億美元的額外資金。考慮到空軍同時需要更新核三位一體中的兩個部分，他擔心這些資金需求可能超出政府的承受能力。他呼籲國會審查這一決策的可負擔性分析，以及其與其他優先投資項目的關係。 

產業影響與盟友反應

波音公司獲得F-47合約，打破了洛克希德·馬丁公司在隱形戰機領域的主導地位。 然而，肯德爾對於美國盟友是否願意購買F-47的出口版本表示懷疑，主要因為其高昂的成本和美國對盟友承諾的態度。 

如果美國盟友因F-47造價過高而選擇不採購，您認為美國是否該重新評估其軍武出口策略，以避免戰略孤立？

Experts Question Rapid Approval of F-47 Fighter Jet Program by U.S. Government

On March 21, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Boeing would develop the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter jet, designated as the F-47. However, former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has expressed concerns, questioning whether the administration acted too hastily in making this significant commitment. 

Strategic Suitability and Cost Considerations

Kendall pointed out that the F-47 is designed for “Penetrating Counter Air” (PCA) missions, involving deep strikes into enemy territory with robust air defenses.He questioned the prudence of this approach against nuclear-armed nations like China or Russia.Kendall suggested that focusing on Defensive Counter-Air (DCA) missions, multi-role designs like the F-35, or platforms that collaborate with unmanned aircraft might be more appropriate. 

Budgetary Challenges and Priorities

Kendall emphasized that the F-47 program would require additional funding amounting to tens of billions of dollars over the next five years.Given the simultaneous need to modernize two legs of the nuclear triad, he expressed concerns about the government’s capacity to finance these demands.He called on Congress to review the affordability analysis of this decision and its alignment with other priority investments. 

Industry Impact and Ally Reactions

Boeing securing the F-47 contract disrupts Lockheed Martin’s dominance in the stealth fighter sector. However, Kendall expressed skepticism about U.S. allies’ willingness to purchase an export version of the F-47, citing its high cost and concerns over the U.S. administration’s commitment to its alliances.  

If U.S. allies choose not to purchase the F-47 due to its high cost, do you think the U.S. should reconsider its military export strategy to avoid strategic isolation?