Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.
MY Article was published on the EurasianTimes Website
on 12 Feb 25.
On January 28, 2025, an F-35A Lightning II fighter jet crashed at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska during a training exercise. The pilot experienced an in-flight malfunction but ejected safely. The accident has caught the world’s attention. As a possible follow-up, the US has called off the F-35 air display during the forthcoming Aero India 2025.
The F-35 Lightning II, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is the world’s most advanced multirole stealth fighter, used by several nations for various air combat missions. With its sophisticated technology, the F-35 was designed to be a revolutionary leap in aerial warfare, offering advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and unprecedented combat versatility. However, despite its promise, the aircraft has had its share of incidents that raise questions about its safety and operational readiness. Are these incidents simply part of the evolutionary process of integrating a complex new weapon system, or do they point to deeper, systemic issues that could undermine the fighter’s effectiveness in the long term?
A Brief Overview of the F-35 Program. The F-35 program began in the late 1990s as part of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) initiative, which aimed to develop a next-generation aircraft that could serve the needs of multiple branches of the U.S. military and those of allied nations. The F-35 comes in three variants: the F-35A (conventional take-off and landing), the F-35B (short take-off and vertical landing), and the F-35C (carrier-based). The aircraft boasts advanced stealth features, an unparalleled sensor suite, and the ability to operate in highly contested environments. The F35 development program faced delays, cost overruns, and technical challenges in the earlier phases of its deployment. Nevertheless, the aircraft has entered service with multiple air forces and naval fleets, including the U.S., the U.K., Israel, Japan, and others.
Notable Accidents and Incidents. Over the years, some accidents and incidents involving the F-35 have raised concerns about its safety. Some of these accidents have been relatively minor, while others have resulted in significant damage to the aircraft or loss of life. Notably, the F-35 has experienced problems with its engine, landing gear, and software systems. Overview of F-35 accidents and incidents, according to open media sources, is as follows:-
19 May 20. A U.S. Air Force F-35A from the 58th Fighter Squadron crashed during landing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The pilot ejected and was rescued in stable condition. The accident was reportedly attributed to a combination of pilot error induced by fatigue, a design issue with the oxygen system, the aircraft’s complex and distracting nature, a malfunctioning head-mounted display, and an unresponsive flight control system.
29 Sep 20. A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B collided with a KC-130 during air-to-air refuelling over Imperial County, California. The F-35B pilot was injured during ejection, and the KC-130 crash-landed in a field without deploying its landing gear.
12 Mar 21. During a night flight near Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, a round fired from the belly-mounted 25mm gun pod on an F-35B detonated shortly after leaving the barrel. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft was grounded for maintenance for more than three months.
17 Nov 21. A Royal Air Force F-35B crashed during routine operations in the Mediterranean. The pilot was safely recovered to HMS Queen Elizabeth. The crash was determined to have been caused by an engine-blanking plug left in the intake.
4 Jan 22. A South Korean Air Force F-35A made a belly landing after all systems failed except the flight controls and the engine. The pilot landed the plane without deploying the landing gear and walked away uninjured.
24 Jan 22. A U.S. Navy F-35C suffered a ramp strike while landing on the USS Carl Vinson and was lost overboard in the South China Sea. Seven crew members were injured, while the pilot ejected safely and was recovered from the water. The aircraft was recovered from a depth of about 12,400 feet with the aid of a remotely operated vehicle.
19 Oct 22. An F-35A crashed at the north end of the runway at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. The pilot safely ejected and was unharmed. The crash was caused by errors in the air data system from the wake turbulence of a preceding aircraft.
15 Dec 22. An F-35B crashed during a failed vertical landing at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth in Texas. The government test pilot ejected on the ground and was not seriously injured.
17 Sep 23. An F-35B crashed after the pilot ejected over North Charleston, South Carolina, following a mishap during a training flight. The pilot was unharmed, and the wreckage was found the following day.
28 May 24. A developmental test F-35B crashed shortly after take-off from Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico. The pilot ejected and was reportedly injured.
28 Jan 25: An F-35A crashed at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. The pilot was reported uninjured.
Focus Areas. The F-35 program has provided several valuable lessons learned from its accidents and incidents. These lessons span design improvements, pilot training, maintenance practices, and operational considerations. Some of the key takeaways are as follows:-
Improved Pilot Training and Situational Awareness. The complexity of the F-35’s systems requires advanced training to ensure pilots can effectively handle the aircraft in emergencies.
Enhanced Mechanical and System Design Improvements. The F-35’s advanced technology provides unprecedented capabilities but has led to integration and system reliability challenges. Hardware and software fixes are periodically needed to address these.
Aircraft Maintenance and Logistical Support. Aircraft maintenance plays a critical role in ensuring aircraft safety and reliability. Maintenance-related issues have been a contributing factor in a few cases.
Design Flexibility and Rapid Response to Failures. The ability to quickly address design flaws and technical failures is critical for maintaining the aircraft’s operational capability.
The Evolutionary Process: Accidents as Part of Development. From the perspective of aviation development, accidents are not uncommon. History is replete with examples of military aircraft programs that experienced growing pains. Technical issues and mishaps are expected early in any new aircraft’s operational use, particularly with as many advanced features as the F-35. The F-35 is a highly complex system, and as with any cutting-edge technology, teething problems are inevitable. The F-35’s early struggles might be necessary to perfect a revolutionary design. In this sense, the F-35’s accidents can be considered part of the normal process of advancing a new weapon system toward full operational capability.
Cause for Alarm: Systemic Issues and Risks. However, the continued incidents involving the F-35 cannot be entirely dismissed as part of the evolutionary process. As the aircraft enters full-scale service across multiple countries, the sheer number of accidents and technical problems may suggest deeper systemic issues. Moreover, the safety concerns surrounding the F-35 could have strategic consequences. If accidents continue to occur significantly, it could undermine the aircraft’s ability to perform in combat scenarios, potentially putting both pilots and missions at risk. The loss of an aircraft, particularly in a combat zone, could have severe consequences for the military.
Balancing Optimism with Realism. The F-35’s complexity is its greatest strength and weakness. While providing cutting-edge capabilities, the aircraft’s advanced systems also create a dependency on maintenance crews, spare parts, and software systems. If any of these elements fail, it could lead to operational delays or mishaps. A continued lack of readiness or failure to address recurring technical problems could strain military resources and decrease confidence in the aircraft’s long-term viability. While the accidents involving the F-35 can be seen as part of the normal evolution of a complex and cutting-edge aircraft, the continued problems cannot be ignored. The F-35’s development mirrors the typical challenges of revolutionary military technology, but the program must move quickly to address the emerging issues.
The question remains: will the F-35 overcome its growing pains to emerge as the next generation of air dominance, or will it be remembered as a cautionary tale of technological overreach and mismanagement? The answer lies in how effectively the program addresses its ongoing challenges and whether it can evolve from a series of accidents into a proven, reliable asset for the world’s military forces.
U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). F-35 Joint Strike Fighter: DOD Needs to Address Affordability Challenges. GAO-20-505, 2020. https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-20-505.
Congressional Research Service (CRS). F-35 Joint Strike Fighter: Background and Issues for Congress. R44124, 2022. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/details?prodcode=R44124.
Axe, David. “The F-35: A Story of Delays, Cost Overruns, and Controversy.” The National Interest, 2020. https://nationalinterest.org.
Air Force Times. (2020, October 5). Investigators find that the Eglin F-35 crash resulted from a tired, distracted pilot and an unresponsive tail glitch. Retrieved from airforcetimes.com
29 September 2020: F-35B Collision with KC-130 in California. USNI News. (2020, September 29). Marine F-35B Crashes After Collision with KC-130 Over California; All Aircrew Recovered Safely. Retrieved from usni.org
12 March 2021: F-35B Gun Pod Detonation near Yuma, Arizona. Military.com. (2021, March 24). Marine Corps F-35B Damaged After Round Fired from Jet Cannon Detonates. Retrieved from military.com
17 November 2021: RAF F-35B Crash in Mediterranean. Avweb. (2021, November 22). Forgotten Intake Plug Downed RAF F-35B. Retrieved from avweb.com
4 January 2022: South Korean F-35A Belly Landing. Defense News. (2022, January 6). South Korea Grounds F-35A Fleet After Belly Landing. Retrieved from defensenews.com
24 January 2022: F-35C Ramp Strike and Loss Overboard from USS Carl Vinson. Navy AirPac. (2022, January 29). Investigation into 2022 F-35C Crash Aboard Carl Vinson Complete. Retrieved from airpac.navy.mil
19 October 2022: F-35A Crash at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Air Force Judge Advocate General (AFJAG). (2022, October 19). F-35A Crash Investigation Report. Retrieved from afjag.af.mil
15 December 2022: F-35B Crash at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth. Military.com. (2022, December 16). F-35 Crashes on Runway in North Texas After Failed Vertical Landing. Retrieved from military.com
17 September 2023: F-35B Crash Near North Charleston, South Carolina. 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW). (2023, September 18). 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Releases Investigation into F-35B Crash. Retrieved from 2ndmaw.marines.mil
28 May 2024: Developmental F-35B Crash at Kirtland Air Force Base Kirtland Air Force Base. (2024, May 28). F-35B Fighter Jet Crashes Near Albuquerque International Sunport. Retrieved from kirtland.af.mil
28 January 2025: F-35A Crash at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Associated Press (AP). (2025, January 29). F-35A Crash at Eielson Air Force Base; Pilot Reported Uninjured. Retrieved from apnews.com
Disclaimer:
Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.
My article was published in the SP Aviation’s Yearbook in February 2025.
The evolution of fighter aircraft, a testament to the unyielding quest for air superiority and technological dominance, is a journey that never ceases to amaze. It’s a captivating journey punctuated by lightning-fast technological strides, dynamic tactical doctrines, and the ever-shifting demands of aerial combat. The ability of these machines to adapt and evolve, constantly morphing to meet the needs of modern warfare, is truly awe-inspiring.
Historical Evolution. The first fighter aircraft made their debut during World War I. They were basic biplanes constructed from wood and fabric, primarily used for reconnaissance. As machine guns were installed, their role evolved to dogfighting. With significant technological advancements, aircraft transitioned to more robust metal frames during interwar. World War II propelled fighter aircraft development. Speed, agility, and firepower skyrocketed. The war’s end witnessed the advent of jet propulsion, signifying the shift from piston engines to jet engines. The Cold War era saw the birth of supersonic fighters and the introduction of guided missiles. Aircraft like the F-86 Sabre and MiG-15 gained fame during the Korean War, marking a significant shift in aerial combat. Later, more advanced fighters like the F-4 Phantom II and MiG-21 emerged, capable of air superiority and ground attack roles. The latest generation of fighters, such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II from the United States and the Su-57 from Russia, are designed with a strong emphasis on stealth, advanced avionics, and multirole capabilities. China also boasts that its indigenous Chengdu J-20 and Shenyang FC-31 are of equal calibre. These latest fighter aircraft are engineered to dominate in electronic warfare environments and execute various missions, demonstrating modern fighter aircraft’s diverse roles and capabilities.
Classification of Fighter Aircraft
The classification of fighter jets into different generations is a testimony to the pivotal role of technological innovation in shaping these aircraft’s evolution. Each generation represents a particular class of technology used in the aircraft, such as avionics, systems, design, features, engines, and weapons. A higher generation signifies a more technologically advanced aircraft. A generational shift occurs when a technological innovation cannot be incorporated into an existing aircraft through upgrades and retrospective fit-outs. The primary classification of fighter aircraft into five generations, with the development of a sixth generation underway, is widely accepted and recognised. Some accounts have further subdivided the 4th generation into 4 and 4.5, or 4+ and 4++.
The first generation of subsonic jet fighters emerged during and after the final years of World War II, a period marked by significant technological and geopolitical changes. Similar to their piston-engine contemporaries, these aircraft were primarily made of wood and light alloy and had generally straight wings. Their main feature was a significant speed increase over their predecessors, which they achieved with the introduction of the swept wing. They were equipped with basic avionic systems, no radars or self-protection countermeasures, and were armed with machine guns or cannons and unguided bombs and rockets. These aircraft were primarily designed for the air-superiority interceptor role. Examples of this generation include Meteor, de Havilland Vampire, F-86 Sabre, McDonnell FH-1 Phantom, and Mig 15 and 17.
The second generation of fighter jets, a product of significant technological breakthroughs and lessons learned from aerial warfare, notably the Korean War of 1950-1953, saw substantial advancements. These aircraft had higher speeds, including sustained transonic and supersonic dash capabilities, and featured rudimentary fire control radar and the use of guided air-to-air missiles. The second-generation fighters also incorporated advances in engine design, such as afterburners and aerodynamics, like swept wings, which allowed them to reach and sustain supersonic speeds in level flight. They introduced air-to-air radar, infrared and semi-active guided missiles, and radar warning receivers. While air-to-air combat was still within visual range, radar-guided missiles extended the engagement ranges and accuracy. The aircraft were divided into interceptors and fighter-bombers based on their roles. Examples of this generation include Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, MiG-19 and 21, Hawker Hunter, and Dassault Mirage III.
The third generation of fighters, a significant milestone in the evolution of fighter aircraft, were designed to be multirole fighters capable of performing air defence and ground attack missions. They could carry a wide range of weapons, such as air-to-ground missiles and laser-guided bombs, while also engaging in air-to-air interception beyond visual range. These aircraft could sustain supersonic flight, carrying improved fire control radars, semi-active air-to-air missiles, and the first generation of tactical electronic warfare systems. The advent of more economical turbofan engines brought extended range and endurance, increased thrust, better performance and manoeuvrability. Some designers even resorted to variable geometry or vector thrust. This generation witnessed significant enhancements in the avionic suites and weapon systems. The supporting avionics included pulse-doppler radar, off-sight targeting and terrain-warning systems. Doppler radar supported a ‘lookdown/shoot-down’ capability with off-bore-sight targeting and semi-active guided radio frequency missiles. The significant change brought about by this generation of aircraft was that it was no longer necessary to visually acquire opponents to neutralise them and gain control of the air. Some examples include the McDonnell Douglas F4H Phantom, Mig-23 and Mig-25, Sukhoi series (15-22), British Aerospace Harrier, and Dassault Mirage F-1.
Fourth-generation jet fighters debuted in the mid-1970s and are still used in most air forces. This generation is the longest-lasting of the five generations so far. This generation of fighter jets is mostly multi-role aircraft that can switch and swing roles between air-to-air and air-to-ground, unlike the previous role-dedicated aircraft. This, in turn, blurred the distinction between air defence and ground attack missions. Fly-by-wire control systems improved the manoeuvrability of these aircraft at the expense of aerodynamic instability. These aircraft introduced more efficient and powerful turbofan jet engines, allowing greater than one thrust-to-weight ratio. The use of composite materials in their construction revolutionised stealth technology. Electronics was the essential part of these aircraft, including ‘look-down’ Doppler fire-control radars, fly-by-wire flight control systems, integral and podded EO/IR targeting sensors, laser and GPS-guided precision weapons, active air-to-air missiles, heads-up displays, and improved electronic warfare systems. Grumman F-14 Tomcat, McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle and F-18 Hornet, General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, MiG-29 and MiG-31, Sukhoi Su-27, Dassault Mirage 2000, Saab Viggen, Chengdu J-10, and Hindustan LCA are some of the examples.
Four-and-a-half generation jet fighters emerged in the late 1980s and ’90s. The 4.5 generation aircraft are fourth-generation fighters with essential characteristics of fourth-generation planes but enhanced capabilities provided by more advanced technologies seen in fifth-generation fighters. The concept of having a half-generation increment stemmed from a forced reduction in military spending at the end of the Cold War, resulting in a restriction on aircraft development. It became more cost-effective to add new, improved features to existing platforms. Later variants of 4th gen aircraft progressively enhanced their characteristic technologies and incorporated emerging fifth-generation technologies, leading them to be classified as an intermediate generation (4.5 4+ or 4++). These aircraft have advanced digital avionics based on microchip technology and highly integrated systems. They are adapted to operate in high-tech warfare where avionic and super manoeuvrability is the key to success. Their features include stealth, radar absorbent materials, thrust vector controlled engines, greater weapons carriage capacity and extended range and endurance. Adding an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar is a significant enough game-changing combat capability. The AESA radar allows fighter aircraft to perform a limited Airborne Early Warning and Control function. Advances in computer technology and data links also allowed 4.5 generation fighters to be integrated into a network-centric battle space where fighter aircraft have much greater scope to conduct multi-role missions. Examples include Boeing F-18E/F Super Hornet, Sukhoi Su-30/33/35, Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab Gripen, and Dassault Rafale.
A fifth-generation fighter is a jet fighter aircraft that includes major technologies developed during the first part of the 21st century. As of date, these are the most advanced fighters in operation. A quantum improvement in the fighter’s lethality and survivability has been a qualifying requirement to achieve generational change in aircraft design. The characteristics of a fifth-generation fighter are not universally agreed upon. The technologies that best epitomise fifth-generation fighters are advanced integrated avionics systems that provide the pilot with a complete picture of the battle space and the use of low observable “stealth” techniques. 5th Generation AC typically includes stealth, low-probability-of-intercept radar (LPIR), agile airframes with supercruise performance, advanced avionics features, and highly integrated computer systems capable of networking with other elements within the battle space for situation awareness and C3 (command, control and communications) capabilities. Improved situational awareness is achieved through multi-spectral sensors located across all aspects of the airframe, allowing the pilot to ‘look’ through the aircraft’s airframe without having to manoeuvre the fighter to obtain a 360-degree picture. These aircraft are also ‘born’ and networked, allowing them to receive, share, and store information to enhance the battle space picture. Fifth generation fighter capabilities are largely defined by their software, and the ongoing development of their software will ensure they maintain their edge against evolving threats. Fifth-generation aircraft allow the pilot to maintain decision superiority over an adversary. This provides greater chances of survivability, which, combined with effective lethality, assures battle space dominance. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor and F-35, Sukhoi T-50 PAK FA / Sukhoi Su-57, and J-20/J-31 are some of the examples.
Future Trends
For a long time, military aviation doctrines and requirements drove technology. Today, technologies offer enhanced capabilities that are driving operational employment and tactics. Technological advancements, automation, and design innovation are poised to define the future of fighter aircraft. Discussing fighter aircraft’s future trends involves strategic changes shaping the next generation of aerial combat. These trends highlight the direction in which future fighter aircraft are heading, focusing on enhanced capabilities to maintain air superiority in evolving combat environments.
Stealth and Low Observable Technologies: Future fighters will continue to push the boundaries of stealth technology to evade radar detection. This includes advanced materials, shape designs, and coatings that reduce the aircraft’s visibility to enemy sensors. Reducing infrared and electronic signatures will also be crucial to avoid detection by modern and future sensors.
Artificial Intelligence and Automation: Enhanced cockpit interfaces and augmented reality systems would improve the pilot’s situational awareness. AI will assist in decision-making, target detection/recognition, and autonomous flight operations, reducing pilot workload and enhancing mission efficiency. Swarm technology and autonomous drones will likely operate alongside manned fighters, providing reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and additional firepower.
Network-Centric Warfare: Future fighters will be part of a highly integrated network, sharing data with other aircraft, ground forces, and naval units in real time. Enhanced secure communication systems will be crucial to prevent jamming and ensure reliable information exchange for coordinated operations. Real-time battlefield awareness would be provided through advanced communication networks and sensor integration.
Hypersonic Capabilities: The development of aircraft capable of travelling at hypersonic speeds (Mach 5 and above) will reduce adversaries’ reaction time. Enhanced propulsion systems would help achieve and sustain these speeds.
Advanced Weapon Systems: Directed energy weapons (lasers and microwave weapons) would be integrated for offensive and defensive purposes. Long-range, high-precision missiles and advanced electronic warfare systems would be integrated to provide precise, high-speed targeting capability. Future weaponry would utilise scramjets to produce faster missiles.
Advanced Propulsion Systems: The focus would be on fuel-efficient engines and alternative propulsion methods like hybrid-electric systems. Adaptive engines could alter their performance characteristics on the fly to optimise speed, range, and fuel efficiency. Adaptive engine technology allows longer ranges and higher performance, where the bypass and compression airflow ratio can vary to improve efficiency. A variable-cycle engine could configure itself to act like a turbojet at supersonic speeds while performing like a high-bypass turbofan for efficient cruising at slower speeds. Exploration of alternative, sustainable, and efficient fuel would continue to enhance operational performance and reduce logistical dependencies.
Modular and Flexible Design: Aircraft designs will be more modular, allowing for quick upgrades and customisation-based adaptability to various mission requirements. Design flexibility would allow the integration of newer technologies without complete aircraft redesigns.
Omni-role Capabilities: The emphasis will be on Omni-role functionality, which enables a single aircraft to perform various roles (air-to-air, air-to-ground, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare missions) simultaneously.
Enhanced Situational Awareness: Future fighters will feature enhanced sensor suites, including radar, electro-optical, infrared, and electronic warfare sensors. Improved helmet-mounted displays (HMD) will provide pilots with critical data directly in their line of sight.
Improved Survivability and Resilience: The aircraft would have enhanced countermeasures against electronic warfare, cyber threats, and physical attacks. More resilient airframes and systems would be developed to withstand extreme combat conditions.
Sixth Generation Fighter Aircraft. With the fifth generation coming into service, attention is already turning to a replacement sixth generation. Sixth-generation aircraft are still in the development phase; however, based on current trends in air technology, they are likely to have several key features that will shape air strategy in the future. The fifth-generation abilities for battlefield survivability, air superiority and ground support will need to be enhanced and adapted to the future threat environment. Development time and cost will likely be significant factors in laying practical roadmaps for sixth-generation aircraft. These aircraft could feature hypersonic speed, dual-mode engines, and adaptive shapes. They are likely to have increased automation with advanced AI and machine learning algorithms that will enable autonomous decision-making and allow them to adapt to changing situations quickly. Integrated sensor systems in these aircraft will provide comprehensive situational awareness and the ability to engage targets with great precision. They would also have enhanced stealth capabilities. At this stage, it is unclear to what extent drones and other remote unmanned technologies can participate, either as satellite aircraft under a sixth-generation command fighter or even replacing the pilot in an autonomous or semi-autonomous command aircraft. Sixth-generation aircraft are expected to impact air strategy significantly, changing the landscape of aerial combat. Some of the ongoing, notable future fighter programs are:-
NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance): A U.S. Air Force program aiming to develop a family of systems, including a sixth-generation fighter, to succeed the F-22 Raptor. USAF is looking at not just an aircraft but a system of systems, including communications, space capabilities, stand-off, and stand-in options, including platforms with incredible speed, range, stealth and self-healing structures. F/A-XX: A U.S. Navy program for a next-generation fighter to replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
FCAS FCAS (Future Combat Air System): A collaborative and ambitious effort by France, Germany, and Spain to develop a sixth-generation fighter and an associated system of systems. A two-year Joint Concept Study (JCS) had been awarded to Dassault Aviation and Airbus for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme to look into the System of Systems approach with associated next-generation services. The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) is one of the century’s most ambitious European defence programmes to replace the Eurofighter, Tornado and Rafale.
Tempest: Tempest is a UK-led program with Italy and Sweden to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet. It is being developed by a consortium of the UK Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Leonardo and The first flight is expected in the 2030s, to enter service in 2035, replacing the Eurofighter Typhoon. The Tempest will be a sixth-generation fighter incorporating several new technologies, including AI deep learning and directed Energy Weapons, an adaptive cycle engine and a virtual cockpit. It could be optionally manned and have swarming technology to control drones.
Sukhoi Su-57: In Russia, the FGFA Sukhoi Su-57 is just being inducted, and work is being done on its sixth-generation version with continuous upgrades and enhancements. The Mikoyan MiG-41 is reportedly a sixth-generation jet fighter-interceptor aircraft currently being developed for the Russian Air Force.
Chengdu J-20 and Shenyang FC-31: China’s fifth-generation fighters with potential future developments toward sixth-generation capabilities. China is still evolving its J-20 and J-31, overcoming the limitations on radar, avionics and engine technologies. Chinese sixth-generation aircraft (J-XX) is called Huolong (Fire Dragon).
Japan’s Mitsubishi F-3 sixth-generation fighter is being tested on the Mitsubishi X-2 Shinshin test bed. It would be based on the concept of informed and intelligent aircraft.
What Next after Sixth Generation: Predicting the specific features of future aerial platforms involves speculation, but several potential features could be considered for future aircraft and drones based on current trends and technological advancements. Actual features of future aerial platforms will depend on various factors, including technological breakthroughs, military and strategic priorities, and budget considerations. Continuous advancements in materials science, artificial intelligence, and aerospace engineering will likely play a crucial role in shaping the capabilities of future aerial platforms.
They could be made of Nano-tech with adaptive and morphing structures, allowing for dynamic changes in shape and aerodynamics. Depending on the attempted manoeuvre, they could morph into many aerodynamic forms, improving overall efficiency and manoeuvrability. For increased durability and performance, they could be made using lightweight and robust materials, such as advanced composites and nano-materials.
They could fly up to and in outer space (upper Stratosphere or lower Mesosphere). They would be highly responsive and have hypersonic speed capability. Alternative fuels, improved propulsion systems, or even the integration of renewable energy sources would make them highly energy efficient. They may use high energy-to-weight ratio fuels (e.g. liquid methane).
They would have Advanced Sensor Technologies, such as improved imaging systems, sensors for environmental monitoring, and enhanced data fusion capabilities for better situational awareness. They could have a VR cockpit concept, presenting a 360-degree spherical view with no blind spots. They could have advanced voice-activated controls, be remotely piloted, AI-controlled, or highly autonomous with improved decision-making capabilities. They would be capable of operating individually or collaboratively as a swarm.
They would be armed with Directed Energy Weapons. They would be fully stealthy, with low radar, visual, noise, and electromagnetic signatures. For self-protection, they could have energy shields or cloaking devices.
Indian Perspective
The IAF operates fourth-generation fighters (upgraded Mirage 2000, MiG-29, and Su 30 MKI) and four-and-a-half-generation Rafale aircraft. India’s collaborative attempt with Russia to develop a Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) ran into severe roadblocks and was abandoned. The development of indigenous fighter aircraft was initially slow but has picked up pace. LCA Tejas has been inducted, and the IAF is awaiting the induction of LCA MkII.
The Indian fifth-generation fighter aircraft project, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is in the development stage. AMCA will be a single-seat, twin-engine, stealth, super-manoeuvrable all-weather multirole fighter aircraft. It will be AI-enabled, with multi-sensor data fusion and an advanced cockpit providing high situational awareness. It is intended to be super-manoeuvrable with quadruple digital FBW, voice command, and the HOTAS concept, capable of autonomous mission execution. Its first flight is planned for 2024-25, with the induction of MKI in 2031 and MKII in 2035. These timelines seem optimistic, and the project needs impetus to overcome challenges related to developing indigenous engines, electronics and weapon systems.
India’s DPSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has also announced the development of a futuristic Combat Air Team (Loyal Wingman Concept). It is a composite amalgamation of a manned fighter aircraft acting as a “mother ship” supported by several swarming UAVs and UCAVs. The objective is to make artificially intelligent (AI) high-altitude surveillance drones, air launch platforms, and loitering munitions with full situational awareness to target enemy targets from longer distances without human intervention.
India faces a security challenge from two collusive, nuclear-powered, inimical neighbours. While self-reliance is the way forward, the minimum level of deterrence must always be maintained. The success of the leapfrog method of development and investment in future technology is the need of the hour.
John Stillion, “Trends in air-to-air combat implications for future air superiority”, Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessment, 2015
“Top sixth-generation fighter jets”, Air Force Technology, Feature, 20 Nov 2020.
Andrew McLaughlin, “Air Combat Operations 2025 and Beyond” Sir Richard Williams Foundation, Seminar Executive Summary, Apr 2014.
Air Marshal Anil Chopra (Retd), “Next Generation Air Dominance”, Journal of the United Service Institution of India, Vol. CXLVIII, No. 614, October-December 2018.
Aaron Mehta, Valerie Insinna and David B Larter, “What’s going on with America’s next fighter designs?” Defence News, Jul 16, 2018.
Amrita Nayak Dutta, “All about India’s Indigenous fifth-gen fighter jet Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), and why it is important”, Indian Express, 10 Mar 2024.
IMR Reporter, “HAL Working on Manned-Unmanned Combat Air Teaming system”, Indian Military Review, 25 Jul 2022.
Air Marshal Anil Chopra (Retd), “Emerging Technologies for Sixth-Generation Combat Aircraft”, International Defence Review, Issue Vol. 34.3 Jul-Sep 2019, Dated 12 Dec 2020.
Disclaimer:
Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.
