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.

Gov. Mike Kehoe said this project, called Next Generation Air Dominance, will bring in thousands of jobs to St. Louis, as well as drive economic growth.