The Race for the Ultimate Weapon: A Review of the Sixth-Generation Fighter Jet Projects
Hello, dear reader. In this article, we will explore the exciting and fast-changing field of military aviation, where major powers are competing to create the ultimate weapon in air warfare — the sixth-generation fighter jet. These futuristic jets are expected to have unprecedented capabilities, such as stealth, artificial intelligence, hypersonic weapons, and laser systems. They will also be able to operate in conjunction with unmanned drones and satellites, forming a networked force that can dominate any adversary. Some of the leading projects in this domain include the US Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD), the UK-Italy-Japan Tempest, and the Chinese J-XX.
Sixth-generation fighters represent a quantum leap from their predecessors, incorporating a bevy of advanced technologies to dominate the skies. From stealth capabilities that render them nearly invisible to enemy radar, to the integration of artificial intelligence, hypersonic weapons, and directed energy weapons, these jets are set to redefine the parameters of air warfare. Furthermore, they introduce the concept of manned-unmanned teaming, where manned jets operate in concert with unmanned drones, creating a networked force multiplier. Several countries have announced the development of a national sixth-generation aircraft program, including the United States, Russia and China, while Japan, Italy, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, and Sweden have joined together in collaborative multinational programs in an effort to spread development costs. The first sixth-generation fighters are expected to enter service in the 2030s.
Leading the charge in this high-stakes race is the United States with its ambitious Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programme. The goal is nothing short of revolutionary — to replace the venerable F-22 Raptor and complement the multi-role F-35 Lightning II. What’s particularly striking about the NGAD programme is that it’s not just on the drawing board; it’s a tangible reality, with at least one prototype having taken to the skies in 2020. The next major milestone is set for 2024, when a contract is expected to be awarded for the engineering, manufacturing, and development phase. The programme envisions a manned jet working in tandem with a collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) drone, operating seamlessly in a networked battlespace. The NGAD programme is highly classified and secretive, but some details have been revealed by Air Force officials. The programme aims to develop a system of systems that can operate across multiple domains and scenarios, incorporating advanced technologies such as stealth, artificial intelligence, hypersonic weapons, and directed energy weapons. The NGAD programme also intends to leverage digital engineering tools to reduce time and cost of development. The NGAD programme is expected to field the new fighter aircraft in the 2030s, replacing the F-22 and possibly including a combination of crewed and uncrewed aircraft.
Not to be left out, the US Navy is charting its own course with the F/A-XX programme, aiming to replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet by the 2030s. While distinct from the NGAD, it is expected to share some commonalities and perhaps even some interoperability. The F/A-XX programme has entered the design maturation phase, with three aerospace defense contractors competing for the contract: Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. The F/A-XX will be a sixth-generation air superiority fighter with multi-role capabilities, supercruise, stealth, advanced sensors and radars, and manned-unmanned teaming.
Across the Atlantic, the UK, Italy, and Japan have joined forces on the Tempest project. Launched in 2018, the project aims to deliver a highly flexible and adaptable system, capable of operating across a myriad of domains and scenarios. Much like its American counterpart, the Tempest will comprise a manned jet and a ‘loyal wingman’ drone capable of autonomous missions or supporting the manned aircraft. The UK government has thrown its weight behind the project, providing funding and fostering partnerships with industrial players and international allies. The project involves the Ministry of Defence and the Team Tempest industry partners, led by BAE Systems, and a number of companies across the UK. The first flight of the combat air demonstrator aircraft is set to take place within the next four years.
Meanwhile, in the East, China is also throwing its hat into the ring with the development of its own sixth-generation fighter, tentatively named the J-XX. Details remain scarce, shrouded in secrecy, but the rumour mill suggests that China may have flown a prototype in 2021, hot on the heels of the US. While it’s speculated that the J-XX may bear resemblance to the US NGAD jet, it might also draw from China’s own fifth-generation jets, the J-20 and J-31. Some sources also suggest that the J-XX may be a twin-engine aircraft with twin vertical tail fins and stealth features. The J-XX is expected to have advanced capabilities such as hypersonic weapons, artificial intelligence, and networked warfare. It may also be able to operate as a fighter-bomber, with a long range and a large payload.
In summary, the race for the ultimate air weapon, the sixth-generation fighter jet, is heating up among the major powers. These jets will have unparalleled features, such as stealth, artificial intelligence, hypersonic weapons, and laser systems. They will also work with drones and satellites to form a networked force. The US is ahead of the game, with its NGAD programme that flew a prototype in 2020. However, other projects, such as the Tempest by the UK, Italy and Japan, and the J-XX by China, which may have flown a prototype in 2021, are also vying for supremacy. These jets are more than machines; they are complex systems that combine cutting-edge technology with human skill, and in doing so, they have the potential to transform air combat as we know it.
