Air Force's 6th-Gen Fighter Now In Development, Kendall Confirms

The U.S. Air Force's secret Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program slated to replace aging, mass-produced fighters has progressed from an experimental concept into development and could be operational by the end of the decade.

Kimberly Johnson

Thursday, June 02, 2022 at 04:12 PM ET

Verified

The NGAD program has progressed to development, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall confirmed. [Courtesy: USAF]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, aimed at replacing aging fighters and countering China's military modernization, has advanced into development and is expected to be operational by the end of the decade.
NGAD is conceived as a "family of systems" including a sixth-generation fighter and unmanned combat aircraft, with the Air Force embracing manned-unmanned teaming as a cost-effective strategy due to the high expense of new manned platforms.
The B-21 Raider stealth bomber is also progressing, having completed ground testing and is anticipated to make its first flight in 2023.

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The U.S. Air Force’s secret Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program slated to replace aging, mass-produced fighters has progressed from an experimental concept into development and could be operational by the end of the decade, according to Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall.

Speaking at an event at the Heritage Foundation on Wednesday, Kendall addressed Air Force priorities at a time when China is rapidly modernizing its military capabilities.