The Dawn of Sixth Generation Fighters: Dominating Future Air Superiority in Anti-Access/Area-Denial Environments

Rajesh Uppal October 11, 2024 Air Force, Geopolitics, Industry Comments Off on The Dawn of Sixth Generation Fighters: Dominating Future Air Superiority in Anti-Access/Area-Denial Environments 4,578 Views

As global military dynamics evolve, the race to achieve air superiority has propelled technological innovation to new heights. The advent of sixth-generation fighters marks a significant leap in this journey, promising to redefine aerial combat and maintain dominance in increasingly complex anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) environments. These advanced aircraft, currently under development by major powers such as the United States, China, and Russia, are set to become the cornerstone of future air combat strategies.

Fifth-generation fighters represent the pinnacle of aviation technology, designed with sophisticated digital systems, fly-by-wire controls, and advanced avionics. These aircraft boast stealth capabilities and super maneuverability, giving them a significant edge over older generations. Notable examples include the Lockheed F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, Sukhoi T-50 PAK-FA, and the Chinese Chengdu J-20. Ongoing projects are the Japanese Mitsubishi ATD-X, the South Korean KF-X, and the Indian-Russian FGFA.

Currently, only the US, Russia, and China have operational fifth-generation fighters, but several nations are in the early stages of developing sixth-generation jets. These jets, expected to take to the skies in the 2030s, promise even more advanced capabilities to counter future threats. Proposed models include Russia’s Mikoyan MiG-41, Taiwan’s Advanced Defense Fighter, the UK/Italy/Sweden’s Tempest, the USAF’s F-X/Penetrating Counter Air, the US Navy’s F/A-XX, China’s J-XX, Japan’s I3 fighter, and the France/Germany/Spain Dassault/Airbus FCAS.

Sixth Generation Fighter Requirements

The need for next-generation aircraft arises from the evolution of advanced anti-air defense systems like the S-400, advancements in counter-stealth technologies, directed energy weapons, and hypersonic technologies. Future air defenses are becoming faster, more networked, and capable of detecting stealth aircraft from greater distances. Adversarial air defenses are evolving to incorporate faster computing power, enhanced networking capabilities, broader frequency detection ranges, and improved stealth detection, necessitating the development of more advanced aircraft to maintain air superiority.

The USAF has outlined that sixth-generation fighters must operate in anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) environments expected in the 2030-2050 timeframe. These fighters must counter advanced electronic attacks, sophisticated integrated air defense systems, passive detection, integrated self-protection, directed energy weapons, and cyber-attacks. Increased speed, stealth, and advanced digital systems are crucial for maintaining air superiority.

Close-combat dogfighting, once central to aerial warfare, is now a secondary concern. Instead, future air combat will focus more on beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile engagements, ground attacks, cyber warfare, and space warfare. New technologies will emphasize increasing standoff and accuracy, enhancing platform and weapon survivability, and the ability to neutralize air defenses from safe distances.

Key Features and Innovations

Sixth-generation fighters are envisioned to surpass their fifth-generation predecessors with a host of cutting-edge features designed to ensure survivability and superiority in hostile environments.

Key players like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and BAE Systems are pushing the boundaries with demands for greater speed, range, stealth, and innovative designs. Concepts range from supersonic tailless jets to modular aircraft that can adapt mid-flight. Boeing’s vision includes supercruise capabilities and a tail-less design for enhanced stealth and penetration.

Traditional close-combat dogfighting takes a backseat as ground attacks, cyber warfare, and space operations gain prominence. Beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat remains critical, necessitating capabilities for long-range engagements. Manufacturers like Northrop Grumman envision long-range, potentially unmanned fighters armed with laser weapons and advanced cyber resiliency.

Central to sixth-generation technology is advanced digital platforms, featuring onboard AI, data fusion, and advanced communications equipment. Pilots will benefit from “virtual cockpits” integrated into their helmets, providing 360-degree vision. Variable-cycle engines promise efficient performance under various conditions, while directed-energy weapons like laser CIWS may become a reality.

Key innovations include:

Agile Airframes with Supercruise: Ability to fly at supersonic speeds without afterburners. Virtual Cockpits: Advanced instrument panels and 360-degree vision through helmet displays.
Stealth and Low Observability:
- Building on the stealth capabilities of fifth-generation fighters like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, sixth-generation fighters will feature advanced stealth technologies, making them nearly invisible to enemy radar systems. Enhanced materials and design elements will further reduce their radar cross-section and infrared signatures.
Advanced Propulsion Systems:
- These fighters will likely utilize adaptive cycle engines, offering unprecedented levels of efficiency, power, and versatility. Such engines can optimize performance for both high-speed engagements and fuel-efficient loitering, extending operational range and mission endurance.
- Variable-cycle Engines: Engines that optimize performance and fuel efficiency.
Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy:
- Incorporating AI and machine learning, sixth-generation fighters will feature advanced avionics capable of autonomous operations, decision-making, and adaptive tactics. Automated take-off, landing, and mission execution, including air-to-air refueling. These systems will enhance pilot situational awareness, reduce cognitive load, and enable manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) with drones and other unmanned systems.
Advanced Avionics and Net-centric Capabilities:
- Equipped with sophisticated communication and sensor systems, sixth-generation fighters will seamlessly integrate into network-centric warfare environments. Integrated digital platforms with networking abilities and data fusion. These capabilities will allow real-time data sharing and coordination with other assets, such as ground forces, naval units, and satellites, creating a cohesive and adaptive battlefield network.

Directed Energy Weapons:
- One of the most groundbreaking innovations will be the incorporation of directed energy weapons, such as high-powered lasers and electromagnetic railguns. These weapons offer advantages in terms of speed, precision, and the ability to neutralize threats like incoming missiles and drones.
Enhanced Survivability:
- Advanced electronic warfare (EW) systems will provide these fighters with robust defensive measures against enemy radar and missile systems. Coupled with superior maneuverability and agility, these features will ensure the aircraft can operate effectively even in heavily contested environments.

Addressing Anti-Access/Area-Denial Challenges

A2/AD environments pose significant challenges to maintaining air superiority, characterized by sophisticated surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, advanced fighter aircraft, and integrated defense networks designed to deny adversaries freedom of movement. Sixth-generation fighters are being designed with these challenges in mind:

Penetration of Defended Airspace:
- The advanced stealth and low observability features of sixth-generation fighters will allow them to penetrate heavily defended airspaces without detection. This capability is crucial for conducting strikes on high-value targets and gathering intelligence.
Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD):
- Equipped with a range of precision-guided munitions and directed energy weapons, these fighters will excel in SEAD missions, neutralizing enemy radar and missile systems to pave the way for other assets.
Electronic Warfare Dominance:
- By leveraging sophisticated EW systems, sixth-generation fighters can disrupt enemy communications, radar, and sensor networks, thereby degrading the enemy’s ability to coordinate defenses and respond effectively to threats.
Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T):
- The integration of autonomous systems and drones will enable sixth-generation fighters to extend their operational reach and effectiveness. Unmanned wingmen can perform a variety of roles, from reconnaissance and electronic attack to serving as decoys, thereby enhancing the survivability and lethality of the manned aircraft.

Ongoing Development Initiatives

The U.S. Air Force is leading the charge, earmarking substantial funds for the development of next-generation air dominance systems. Prototyping efforts aim to accelerate the maturation of key technologies, with a focus on creating a networked family of fighters tailored to specific requirements. These aircraft, envisioned for deployment in the early 2030s, will integrate cutting-edge capabilities like airborne lasers, artificial intelligence, and unmanned operations. The US Navy’s F/A-XX program aims to develop a next-generation fighter with longer range, greater stealth, and enhanced connectivity. This fighter will likely feature adaptive cycle engines and a clean-sheet design to meet the specific needs of future naval air combat.

The United States is spearheading the development of its Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, comprising the Air Force’s ‘Penetrating Counter-Air’ and the Navy’s FA-XX projects.

Led by major defense contractors like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, these initiatives aim to introduce sixth-generation fighters to replace the current F-35 Joint Strike Fighter by the mid-2030s.

Lockheed Martin’s concept envisions a tailless, stealthy aircraft with a diamond-shaped wing and advanced digital design features. The Navy’s vision prioritizes a crewed fighter with up to 50% greater range to operate farther from aircraft carriers, enhancing survivability against emerging threats like Chinese anti-ship ballistic missiles.

The NGAD prototype, already flown, showcases the program’s rapid progress, leveraging digital engineering and agile software development. These technologies enable a Century Series approach, fostering innovation and flexibility in aircraft design and production. The NGAD seeks enhanced capabilities in reach, persistence, survivability, and net-centricity, aiming to integrate seamlessly with other air, space, cyber, and electronic warfare assets.

Looking ahead, the U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX fighter will prioritize unmanned capabilities, sensor connectivity, supercruise ability, and electronically configured “smart skins.” As technologies rapidly evolve, emphasis is placed on coatings, artificial intelligence, communications, and data links to maintain superiority in the evolving battlespace.

The Air Force is also emphasizing digital engineering, agile software development, and open architecture to speed up the development and deployment of these advanced systems.

In summary, the NGAD program represents a transformative leap in aerial warfare, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and collaborative efforts to ensure continued air dominance for the United States in the decades to come.

B-21 Raider stealth bomber

The US Department of Defense has initiated low-scale production of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, marking the start of the sixth generation of warplanes. Set to replace the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit, the B-21 boasts advanced stealth capabilities and is designed for deep strike missions against previously impervious targets. The high degree of secrecy surrounding the B-21 is attributed to concerns about data breaches, particularly in light of the hacking of F-35 designs by Chinese agents. Despite remaining classified, the B-21 is projected to be more cost-effective than its predecessors due to advancements in aerospace and stealth manufacturing. Its development has prompted responses from other nations, such as China, which claims its hypersonic missiles can intercept B-21s. Overall, the B-21 represents a significant leap in military aviation technology, with potential implications for future warfare strategies and international defense capabilities.

Saab is strategically addressing the evolving challenges of modern air warfare with its forward-thinking electronic attack (EA) aircraft concept.

Recognizing the diminishing efficacy of traditional low observability in the face of new low-band early warning radars, Saab emphasizes the necessity of high-powered electronic attack to disrupt adversary situational awareness and data networks.

Their comprehensive approach, stemming from a detailed study of future air operating environments, highlights the pivotal role of electronic warfare (EW) as a key enabler for platform survivability. Saab’s solution entails three main components: a self-contained EA pod for twin-seat fighter aircraft, a miniature air-launched decoy for distraction and jamming, and a sophisticated back-seat electronic warfare officer (EWO) station.

The EA pod concept integrates advanced technology, including gallium nitride-based antennas, to deliver effective electronic attack capabilities while maintaining cooling and power autonomy. Complementing this is the miniature decoy, designed for long-range deployment to divert and confuse enemy air defense systems. Meanwhile, the development of a dedicated EWO station promises enhanced sensor data fusion and decision support, empowering aircrews with heightened situational awareness and response capabilities.

Through prototyping and collaboration with stakeholders like the Swedish Air Force, Saab demonstrates its commitment to advancing electronic warfare capabilities to meet the demands of future aerial combat scenarios. With a focus on innovation and adaptability, Saab’s electronic attack aircraft concept represents a proactive approach to addressing the evolving complexities of the modern battlefield.

Russia and China are also racing ahead with ambitious plans for their sixth-generation fighters. Russia’s Sukhoi outlines eight concepts, featuring plasma stealth, directed energy weapons, and cyber capabilities, expected to enter service by 2030–2050. China’s Chengdu Aircraft Research and Design Institute hints at an earlier rollout, targeting 2035, with features such as artificial intelligence, extreme stealth, and laser weaponry.

Japan, determined to bolster its military capabilities, has tapped Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to lead the development of its next stealth fighter, set for launch in the 2030s. Meanwhile, European nations are forging ahead with collaborative ventures like the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and the UK’s Tempest program. These projects promise revolutionary capabilities, leveraging swarming technology, advanced sensors, and unmanned systems to redefine air combat.

Opting to leapfrog the fifth generation, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom are directing resources toward sixth-generation technologies, recognizing the challenges of catching up with current advancements. Canada follows suit with its “Arrow II” project, aiming to spearhead next-generation fighter development.

International collaboration is a key theme, with Japan and Great Britain exploring joint development opportunities, while the UK extends invitations to India for co-development ventures. Germany’s FCAS initiative further underscores the global push toward future-oriented combat aviation.

European nations are also making strides with the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and the UK’s Tempest program, focusing on advanced stealth, modular designs, and drone swarming technologies. These projects aim to support economic growth and create thousands of jobs.

Russia is aggressively advancing its sixth-generation fighter jet program, aiming for unparalleled capabilities in the next era of aerial warfare.

With plans to unveil these cutting-edge aircraft by 2025, Russia is pioneering swarms of hypersonic unmanned drones equipped with electromagnetic pulse weapons, designed to disrupt adversary electronics from a distance of 10 kilometers. Led by the Russian Ministry of Defence and manufacturers like Sukhoi, the project envisions both manned and unmanned variants to meet diverse operational needs.

This ambitious endeavor emphasizes unmanned flight capabilities, leveraging advancements in drone technology for enhanced functionality and survivability. The aircraft are expected to reach hypersonic speeds and possess unparalleled maneuverability, crucial for outmaneuvering adversaries and ensuring mission success. Innovative features such as plasma cloud utilization and unified electronic warfare systems further elevate Russia’s sixth-generation fighters, promising unprecedented combat effectiveness and resilience.

Key elements of this initiative include a highly durable composite material for the aircraft’s body, enabling supersonic and hypersonic flight, as well as advanced avionics and electronic warfare systems. Groundbreaking technologies like radio-photonic radars, capable of high-resolution target imaging, underscore Russia’s commitment to staying at the forefront of military innovation.

Testing of these groundbreaking technologies is already underway, with components being evaluated on fifth-generation jets like the PAK FA. The development of a radio-photonic radar, expected to revolutionize target identification and tracking, represents a significant leap forward in airborne surveillance capabilities.

Overall, Russia’s sixth-generation fighter program showcases its determination to maintain superiority in future air combat scenarios, with a focus on innovation, adaptability, and cutting-edge technology.

China’s pursuit of sixth-generation fighter technology marks a significant stride towards enhancing its aerial dominance on the global stage.

Spearheaded by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, China’s ambitious project aims to introduce a family of sixth-generation fighters by 2035, including heavy and medium-sized variants, as well as cutting-edge stealth unmanned combat platforms like the “dark sword”.

Central to China’s sixth-generation fighters is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and directed-energy weapons, such as lasers and high-power microwaves. This transformative approach underscores China’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies for superior combat capabilities. With multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) under their command, these next-generation fighters promise unparalleled versatility and effectiveness in diverse operational scenarios.

Gen. Mark Kelly’s remarks regarding China’s sixth-gen aircraft development affirm the nation’s progress in aligning with global trends in aerospace innovation. The similarities in perspectives between US and Chinese designers highlight the convergence towards exponential reductions in signature and enhancements in processing power, indicative of a shared vision for the future of air combat technology.

China’s advancements in hypersonic technology, exemplified by the Wu-14 trials, further underscore its emergence as a formidable contender in the realm of aerial warfare. The potential integration of tetrahertz radar systems, currently undergoing testing, signifies China’s commitment to staying at the forefront of airborne surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

Tetrahertz radars hold immense promise in revolutionizing airborne warfare, with the ability to penetrate stealth aircraft coatings and detect hidden objects behind obstacles. Beyond military applications, these radars offer diverse utility in geological surveying, exploration, and rescue operations, further highlighting their strategic significance in shaping future airborne capabilities.

As China continues to invest in cutting-edge technologies and collaborative research initiatives, its sixth-generation fighter program stands as a testament to its ambition to assert dominance in the aerospace domain.

Improving China’s Defense to Counter Extraterrestrial Nuclear Threats

On September 16, 2015, the Shenyang Aircraft Institute celebrated the “Feng Ru Aviation Tech Elite Award” winners. In his speech, general designer Wang Yongqing mentioned special mission aircraft, the next-generation jet fighter, and catapult launching and arrested deck-landing technologies. Recently, Russian media reported that China’s Aviation Research Institute No. 611 is developing the J-28, a sixth-generation fighter jet capable of addressing nuclear threats from across the solar system.

The J-28 is equipped with a powerful laser weapon capable of melting nuclear missiles launched from any planet or satellite. Given the United States’ extensive surveys of Mars and the anticipated establishment of a nuclear missile base there by 2018, the J-28’s abilities are crucial. It boasts incredible speed, allowing it to chase and intercept missiles even if the first attempt fails. Its stealth technology renders it undetectable by radar or radio telescopes. Additionally, the J-28 serves as a real-time information platform within the battlefield network, enhancing the C4ISR system’s effectiveness and maximizing combat performance. Besides space operations, the J-28 can conduct routine air combat and precision ground strikes from near space.

Japan’s Next-Generation Fighter Development

Japan is developing a large, twin-engine aircraft to replace the Mitsubishi F-2 fighter. Known as the Future Fighter, this aircraft is designed for long-range missions against China in the East China Sea and potentially North Korea. Current Japanese fighters operate from a limited number of airfields; a longer-range fighter would increase operational flexibility.

Aligned with Japan’s broader military modernization goals, the Future Fighter program underscores the nation’s commitment to fortifying its defense capabilities against potential threats. With an emphasis on stealth and interoperability with allied forces, including the United States, the Future Fighter promises to deliver enhanced air-to-air combat capabilities and extended operational range.

Notably, the Future Fighter is envisioned to integrate advanced technologies, including the capability to direct multiple combat drones and deploy Joint New Air to Air Missiles. While Mitsubishi Heavy Industries spearheads the program, collaboration with international partners ensures access to cutting-edge expertise and resources, further enhancing the aircraft’s effectiveness and reliability.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is leading the development of this stealth fighter, scheduled for launch in the 2030s. The F-X will prioritize air-to-air combat and interoperability with U.S. jets, complementing Japan’s F-35s. It will direct up to three combat drones and likely carry the Joint New Air to Air Missile, a UK/Japan project.

UK’s Tempest Program and FCAS Initiative

In 2018, the UK announced the Tempest program to develop sixth-generation fighters, set to replace Eurofighter Typhoons post-2030. The UK’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS) will be operational by 2040, potentially as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). BAE Systems leads the program, with Rolls Royce, MBDA, and Leonardo contributing engines, weapons, sensors, and avionics respectively. The Tempest aims for a first flight in 2035.

Multilateral Efforts:

Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)

In December 2022, Italy, Japan, and the UK announced a merger of their fighter jet development projects into the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). This collaboration, combining the UK’s FCAS/Tempest with Japan’s F-X program, aims to produce an advanced frontline fighter by 2035. This partnership underscores a commitment to a rules-based international order amidst rising threats and aggression, notably from China’s military activities around Taiwan and the South China Sea.

This collaboration between the UK, Italy, and Japan aims to deliver a 6th-gen fighter called “Tempest” by 2035. The focus is on a highly agile, information-sharing platform with advanced stealth capabilities.

The United States, committed to defending these nations through NATO and security pacts with Japan, welcomed the Europe-Japan agreement

European Collaboration on FCAS

France, Germany, and Spain have agreed to advance the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), Europe’s largest defense project. Estimated at over 100 billion euros, FCAS aims to replace Germany’s Tornado IDS strike aircraft and supplement Eurofighter Typhoons. FCAS will integrate manned and unmanned systems into a cohesive operational unit. France, Germany, and Spain are working together on the FCAS project. Similar to GCAP, the goal is a next-generation fighter with enhanced stealth, information dominance, and potentially unmanned or optionally manned capabilities. A consortium of Dassault Aviation and Airbus has been awarded a joint concept study contract, supported by Safran and MTU Aero Engines for engine development.

Global Perspectives and Challenges

Developing a 6th-gen fighter is a complex and expensive undertaking. Countries are grappling with issues like technological feasibility, budget constraints, and the potential shift towards a more networked air warfare approach that integrates drones and other unmanned platforms.

Russia’s approach includes developing both manned and unmanned sixth-generation fighters with capabilities such as hypersonic speeds and space operations. China’s plans for a sixth-generation fighter by 2035 include artificial intelligence, extreme stealth, and laser weapons.

Japan and the UK are collaborating on a new fighter, with Japan’s F-X program and the UK’s Tempest project leading the way. Meanwhile, France, Germany, and Spain are focusing on the FCAS to leapfrog directly to sixth-generation technology.

In summary, the development of sixth-generation fighters represents a significant leap in aerial combat technology. These advanced aircraft will integrate cutting-edge stealth, AI, and digital systems to counter increasingly sophisticated threats. The ongoing global initiatives highlight the strategic importance of maintaining air superiority in future conflicts.

Strategic Implications and Future Outlook

The development and deployment of sixth-generation fighters will have profound strategic implications. For nations investing in these capabilities, it means a significant edge in maintaining air superiority and deterring potential adversaries. However, the high costs and technological complexities involved will likely limit the number of countries able to field such advanced aircraft.

For the United States, programs like the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative aim to deliver a sixth-generation fighter that ensures continued air superiority well into the 21st century. Similarly, other nations, such as China and Russia, are advancing their own sixth-generation projects to secure their strategic interests.

Conclusion

The emergence of sixth-generation fighters represents a pivotal evolution in military aviation, designed to address the sophisticated threats posed by modern A2/AD environments. With advanced stealth, AI-driven systems, directed energy weapons, and unparalleled network integration, these aircraft will redefine air combat and maintain strategic dominance for decades to come. As development progresses, the true capabilities of these formidable machines will become clearer, solidifying their role as the future guardians of the skies.