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, a "family of systems" including a sixth-generation fighter and uncrewed combat aircraft, has progressed to development and aims for operational capability by the end of the decade.
China's rapid military modernization is identified as the primary "pacing challenge" driving the U.S. Air Force's focus on developing future capabilities.
The Air Force is embracing manned-unmanned aircraft teaming, integrating combat drones with piloted aircraft, as a cost-effective strategy to build mass given the high expense of new manned platforms.
The B-21 Raider stealth bomber has completed load-calibration testing and is on track for its first flight in 2023, following earlier indications of a 2022 rollout.

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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.