WASHINGTON DC – The F-22, the first operational stealth fighter, is becoming outdated with less than 100 operational units remaining. NGAD will ensure U.S. air superiority by incorporating advanced stealth and unmanned systems.
The program underscores the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining an edge in air power amidst rapidly advancing technology and air defense systems.
From the first moment weapons were placed on an aircraft, air power has been the key to winning wars. From World War II to the invasion of Iraq, the scale has tilted toward the military with the strongest capabilities in the air.
Technology continues to advance at a rapid pace. Fifth-generation stealth aircraft like the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet are growing in number, and more militaries around the world are interested in incorporating such aircraft into their arsenals.
The U.S. Air Force isn’t stopping there. It is spending billions of dollars on new projects. The Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program is the perfect example of the Air Force’s intention to continue to invest in the latest stealth fighter technology.
In development for a number of years, NGAD aims to create a manned and unmanned sixth-generation stealth fighter capability for the U.S. Air Force. Not a lot is known about the future aircraft aside from the fact that it will include manned and unmanned versions, it will be stealthy, and the manned version will be able to operate alongside unmanned aerial vehicles.
Air defense technology has also been improving. But the Air Force won’t stop developing and testing aircraft to defeat enemy air defenses just because of advancements in counter-air technology. Indeed, stealth aircraft are and will likely remain effective against enemy sensors, buying aircraft precious time to deliver their munitions before the enemy spots them.
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