Boeing Co. won a contract to design and build the US’s next-generation stealth fighter jet, beating out rival Lockheed Martin Corp. for the multibillion dollar program aimed at preparing the military for possible conflict with China.

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

The F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance, or NGAD, is a manned jet that will help future drone aircraft penetrate the air defenses of China and any other potential foes.