F-22 Raptor: pinnacle of 5th-generation fighters
KF-21 Boramae: South Korea’s 4.5th-generation fighter
Future outlook of 6th-generation fighter jet and strategic importance
The U.S. Air Force’s F-22 Raptor is widely regarded as the top fighter jet available today. The F-22 embodies the most advanced air combat technology as a fifth-generation fighter. The different generations of fighter jets are defined by their performance features. First-generation jets introduced jet engines, while second-generation models achieved supersonic speeds. Third-generation aircraft added radar and missile systems, and fourth-generation jets incorporated digital systems and precision-guided munitions. Fifth-generation jets, like the F-22, are known for their stealth capabilities. The retired F-4 Phantom was a third-generation jet, and the F-35A, another key aircraft in the U.S. Air Force, is also classified as a fifth-generation fighter.
In contrast, South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae is considered a 4.5-generation fighter. Although it lacks stealth features, it boasts advanced technologies such as Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, placing it a step above the fourth generation.
Dawn of Sixth-Generation Fighters
The next leap forward is the development of a sixth-generation fighter jet, which aims to surpass current capabilities. The U.S. is working on a sixth-generation fighter as part of a covert project designed to maintain an edge over China.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Air Force revealed that they initiated contact with defense contractors in May concerning its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) platform. The spokesperson explained that a classified announcement was issued to the defense industry for the NGAD’s engineering and manufacturing development contract, with an anticipated signing in 2024. This marks the start of the supplier selection process for the NGAD, which is set to replace the F-22 Raptor eventually.
Local media reports, including those from Bloomberg, suggest that major defense companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman are likely contenders for the NGAD contract. Lockheed Martin and Boeing were responsible for developing the fifth-generation F-22.
Bloomberg also noted that the U.S. Air Force intends to invest $16 billion in the research and development of the next-generation fighter by 2028. Business Insider has forecasted that the sixth-generation fighter will begin replacing the F-22 around 2030, which might involve developing manned and unmanned aircraft and cyber systems.
In response to these developments, U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall noted that the NGAD platform marks a substantial technological advancement beyond the F-22, enhancing strike capabilities and improving survival, sustainment, interoperability, and adaptability in challenging operational environments.
Technological Advancements and Capabilities
The sixth-generation fighter is expected to feature advanced stealth and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
While the precise specifications for the sixth-generation fighter jet are still being defined, experts anticipate it will include wideband stealth, AI integration, supersonic cruising, hypersonic speeds, and extensive networking capabilities. Unlike the fifth generation, which focuses primarily on stealth, sixth-generation fighters are expected to function as manned-unmanned integrated combat systems, operating alongside various unmanned combat vehicles.
AI is anticipated to play a crucial role in managing unmanned vehicles. Manned aircraft will also benefit from AI enhancements to support pilots. Experts envision AI support akin to the “JARVIS” assistant from the Iron Man movies.
New weapon systems, such as directed energy or laser technologies, might also be part of this new generation. The key feature of the sixth-generation concept will be its integration of AI-driven manned-unmanned systems. The U.S. is not alone in this pursuit; major global players, including EU countries, China, Russia, and Japan, are also developing sixth-generation fighters.
Global Competition in Sixth-Generation Fighter Development
In Europe, Germany, France, and Spain are working on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), led by Airbus, which is projected to be completed between 2035 and 2040. The U.K. is collaborating with Italy and Japan on the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), which aims to integrate Japan’s Mitsubishi F-X fighter with the Tempest jet being developed by the U.K. and Italy.
South Korea is also stepping up its efforts to develop a sixth-generation fighter, building on the KF-21. In April of the previous year, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the manufacturer of the KF-21, released a report outlining its “Next Generation Air Combat System Development Strategy.” The strategy includes a phased approach: starting with initial mass production, progressing to ground-attack capabilities, incorporating stealth features and manned-unmanned systems, and ultimately focusing on maximizing stealth and integrating AI into pilot operations for the sixth-generation fighter jet.
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