The U.S. maintained unrivaled aerial superiority with its fifth-generation F-22 Raptor for many years, but now faces increasing competition from China and Russia. Both nations have developed their own fifth-generation fighters, the Chengdu J-20 and the Sukhoi Su-57, and are pushing rapidly into the sixth-generation with programs like China’s NGAD.
-These programs aim to match or exceed the capabilities of U.S. aircraft with advanced features such as stealth, high maneuverability, and sophisticated radar evasion. The U.S. is responding with its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, which includes not just advanced manned fighters but also a fleet of around 1,000 autonomous “loyal wingman” drones to enhance combat effectiveness and reduce pilot workload.
-Additionally, the strategic bomber competition is intensifying, with the U.S.’s B-21 Raider and China’s H-20 bomber, both designed to project power far beyond their borders.
From F-22 to NGAD: The Evolution of Global Air Power Amid Rising Tensions
The U.S. retained unquestionable aerial superiority for many years after it introduced the world’s first fifth-generation fighter, the F-22 Raptor. But China and Russia are catching up in this era of rising geopolitical tensions.
Beijing and Moscow have introduced their own fifth-generation platforms over the last decade—the Chengdu J-20 and Sukhoi Su-57, respectively. The race is now on to see which country can move its next-generation fighters to the production line the fastest. While the U.S. Air Force is working on its Next Generation Air Dominance program, or NGAD, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is on track to develop its own mockup.
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Author: Maya Carlin
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