SOURCE: AFI
On May 15, 2025, President Donald Trump sparked intrigue in the aerospace and defense communities by announcing plans for a twin-engine variant of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, which he dubbed the “F-55.” Speaking at an event covered by outlets like The Aviationist, Trump described the F-55 as a “substantial upgrade” over the single-engine F-35, while also mentioning ongoing modernization efforts for both the F-35 and the F-22 Raptor. His remarks, widely shared across platforms like X, have raised questions about the feasibility, purpose, and implications of this proposed aircraft.
President Trump’s comments come amid a broader push to bolster U.S. military capabilities, particularly in response to evolving global threats from adversaries like China and Russia. The F-35, a family of single-engine, stealth multirole fighters, has been a cornerstone of U.S. air power since its introduction. However, its high costs—estimated at over $400 billion for the program—and technical challenges have drawn criticism, including from Trump during his first term.
In his recent statements, Trump emphasized his preference for twin-engine aircraft, citing reliability: “I don’t like single engines. If one goes out, it’s good to have two, three, or four. That’s why I like my 747, it’s got four.” He positioned the F-55 as a response to this concern, suggesting it would incorporate two engines while building on the F-35’s advanced stealth and sensor capabilities. Additionally, Trump alluded to a “F-22 Super,” a modernized version of the twin-engine F-22 Raptor, indicating a broader strategy to upgrade America’s fighter fleet.
The announcement has generated confusion and skepticism, as no official program for an “F-55” exists within the Department of Defense or Lockheed Martin’s public roadmap. Some analysts, as noted in posts on X, interpret Trump’s remarks as referring to a conceptual upgrade to the F-35 rather than an entirely new aircraft. Others speculate it could signal a new development project, potentially a derivative of the F-35 with enhanced capabilities.
The F-35’s single-engine design, powered by the Pratt & Whitney F135, is optimized for cost, weight, and stealth. Introducing a twin-engine variant would require significant redesign, potentially increasing costs and complexity while compromising stealth characteristics. Twin-engine fighters, like the F-22 or Boeing’s F-15EX, offer greater thrust and redundancy but are heavier and more expensive to maintain. Trump’s comparison to the four-engine Boeing 747, a commercial airliner, drew particular scrutiny, with one former Air Force official quoted as saying, “I can’t even imagine what it is like to try and brief him.”
If pursued, the F-55 could have far-reaching implications for U.S. defense strategy and the aerospace industry. A twin-engine fighter might appeal to allies seeking greater range or payload capacity, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, where long-distance operations are critical. However, it would compete with existing platforms like the F-15EX and the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, both twin-engine fighters already in service.
The announcement also raises questions about cost. Trump emphasized that the F-55 would proceed “if we get a good price,” reflecting his long-standing focus on reducing defense spending inefficiencies. Yet, developing a new variant or aircraft could cost tens of billions, potentially straining budgets already committed to the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, a future sixth-generation fighter.
Lockheed Martin, the F-35’s manufacturer, has not commented publicly, but the company would likely benefit from any new contract. However, posts on X suggest mixed sentiment, with some users questioning whether the F-55 is a serious proposal or a rhetorical flourish. The mention of a “F-22 Super” further complicates the picture, as the F-22 production line closed in 2011, and restarting it would be costly and time-intensive.
The F-55 concept faces significant hurdles. First, no evidence suggests the Pentagon or Congress has allocated funds for such a program. Second, the F-35’s ongoing upgrades, including Block 4 enhancements to its sensors and weapons, are already straining budgets. Diverting resources to a new variant could delay these efforts. Third, the technical challenges of retrofitting a single-engine airframe for two engines are daunting, potentially requiring a near-total redesign.
For now, the F-55 remains a concept rather than a concrete program. Trump’s remarks may serve as a signal to the defense industry to explore innovative solutions or as a political tool to project strength and decisiveness. Alternatively, they could reflect a genuine intent to reshape U.S. air power, though such a move would require significant investment and coordination with military and industry stakeholders.
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