Language
Country/Area
No result found
The United States, Russia and China: Who can take the lead and create the sixth generation air supremacy?
With the advancement of technology, the design of future fighter jets will usher in a sixth-generation revolution. This generation of fighters will far exceed the fifth-generation fighters currently in service, including the U.S. F-22 and F-35. The United States, Russia and China are competing to gain leadership in new aviation and military technologies, with individual countries hoping to further expand their air influence.
Sixth generation fighter jets are the key to future air combat, integrating artificial intelligence, network technology and enhanced stealth capabilities.
Characteristics of sixth-generation fighter jets
The design of sixth-generation fighter jets is still in its early stages, but some notable features have emerged that are prevalent in U.S., Russian and Chinese development programs. First, these fighter jets will have air superiority capabilities and further enhance their survivability in future changing combat environments.
Compared with the previous combat method that mainly focused on close combat, the sixth-generation fighter jet will achieve a more comprehensive role transformation towards the expansion of ground support, network operations and space combat capabilities.
“What we are pursuing is a full range of combat capabilities that can connect drones and other surveillance technologies.”
Overview of international competition
China’s progress
China has been working hard in the development of sixth-generation fighter jets. Following test flights and design concepts in previous years, it has begun specific technology research and development. Currently, China plans to launch its sixth-generation fighter jet by 2035.
The United States and its plans
The United States’ sixth-generation fighter plan covers the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program jointly carried out by the Air Force and Navy, with the goal of having advanced combat capabilities by the early 2030s.
“Our plan is not just to pursue the construction of new aircraft, but to achieve an overall advantage in combat structure.”
Russian Challenge
Russia’s sixth-generation fighter plan is also gradually unfolding. The country is determined to develop unmanned combat aircraft to deal with the current increasingly complex air threats.
The necessity of technology and cooperation
In the design of sixth-generation fighter jets, more and more countries have realized that it is difficult to achieve technological catch-up and transition by relying on their own strength alone, so they have chosen to participate in multinational cooperation scientific research plans. Cooperation from the UK, France and other countries demonstrates the possibility of joint international scientific and technological development.
Especially in terms of cost control, these cooperation not only share the financial burden, but also further integrate the military technology of various countries.
Future Outlook
From a technological development perspective, the first batch of sixth-generation fighter jets are expected to be put into use in the 2030s. As technology evolves, future combat models will become more dependent on data-driven decision-making and execution capabilities.
“In a data-first future, fighter aircraft with rapid response capabilities will be the key to winning air superiority.”
The competition between the United States, Russia and China will not only be a competition of hardware, but also a competition of their respective technological strength and innovation capabilities. Which country will be the hegemon in the future sky?
