The aerospace industry is nearing a revolutionary leap courtesy of the development of sixth-generation fighter jets. At the forefront is the UK Ministry of Defence leading in the framework of the Tempest program, an initiative started by the United Kingdom in collaboration with BAE Systems and other European manufacturers. This ambitious project will deliver a redefinition of air combat with a fighter jet by 2035.
The Tempest will also feature a long list of advanced technologies such as deep-learning AI, drone-swarm coordination, directed-energy weapons, virtual display of the cockpit inside the helmet, and hypersonic weapons. The aircraft was made modular and stealthy enough for some simultaneous combat and reconnaissance roles. It shall have delta wings, outward-pointing vertical stabilizers, and internal twin engines to lessen radar cross-section. Artificial intelligence from the high-tech pilot helmet will support high-g maneuvers and other critical flight operations.
The UK’s Tempest program, therefore, forms part of the wider, international quest towards the development of sixth-generation fighters. The other big player in this international race is the Next-Generation Air Dominance program in the USA. This particular program is aimed at developing a family of systems with both manned and unmanned aircraft that will introduce air supremacy so far unmatched in perspective through the infusion of advanced systems. It is also expected to have many other advanced capabilities, including networked air warfare systems; hypersonic weapons; improved stealth; and others.
Air Force Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, framed the work in stark terms of urgency: “We do not want to be on the other side of coming in second in air superiority.” He compared the effort to the Manhattan Project, noting that such a technological advantage would be of greater importance than it was during those years.
Not to be left behind, Europe counterweighs with the FCAS, a co-development between Germany, France, and Spain, conceptualizing a new generation of fighter that will fly both in manned-unmanned teeming formation and as an attack drone, paired with drones acting as surveillance drones. The entire FCAS will be connected with a combat cloud and supported by artificial intelligence for superior situational awareness and enhanced survivability.
Russia is not far behind. The futuristic MiG-41, also known by its unofficial designation, PAK-DP, comes from Russia and is an interceptor for taking into the highest and fastest realms yet, up to and exceeding Mach 4. It comes with long-range air-to-air missiles, advanced target search and detection equipment, and stealth technology. The amount of MiG-41 will be deferred into the Russian Air Force by 2030.
Just as France has just unveiled its Espadon hypersonic fighter concept, it may mark a turn in its capabilities to develop a sixth-generation fighter. This model has already completed a wind tunnel and is designed to fly even faster at Mach 5. The French Ministry for Defense has not funded the Espadon project to the procurement level; however, internal funding of the concept builds knowledge and competency in the arena of hypersonic aircraft.
The stakes are high as nations race to develop such next-generation fighters. Such programs promise technological advances that shall redefine not just air combat but also, in a greater scope, the nature of global military power into the future. The years ahead are likely to prove critical for these ambitious projects; they are going to put this hype into reality and prepare everything for a new era in aerospace warfare.