Boeing won a contract to design and build the U.S.’s next-generation stealth fighter jet, beating out rival Lockheed Martin Corp. for the multibillion dollar program aimed at preparing the

Known as Next Generation Air Dominance, or NGAD, the manned jet will serve as quarterback to a fleet of future drone aircraft designed to be able to penetrate the air defenses of China and any other potential foes.

President Donald Trump announced Friday that Boeing will build the Air Force’s future fighter jets, which the Pentagon says will have stealth and penetration capabilities that far exceed those of its current fleet and are essential in a potential conflict with China.