The U.S. Air Force has decided to pause its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, a move that delays the selection of a builder for the highly anticipated sixth-generation fighter jet. This decision, announced by Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall on July 30, aims to reassess the design and operational concepts of the new stealth fighter, initially intended to replace the F-22 Raptor.
Speaking at the Air Force’s Life Cycle Industry Days conference, Secretary Kendall emphasized the need to ensure the program is on the right track before committing to a single design and supplier. “With the platform itself, we’re taking a pause,” Kendall said. “Before we commit to moving forward on a single design and a single supplier, we want to take a hard look at that program and make sure it’s right.”
The pause will last a few months, during which time the Air Force will evaluate whether the current design and operational concepts meet future combat needs. Kendall reassured that the NGAD program will eventually move forward, likely featuring a manned aircraft. However, he did not rule out the possibility of an optionally crewed or entirely uncrewed platform, noting that the technology for a fully uncrewed aircraft might not be ready yet.
The NGAD program, described as a “family of systems,” includes a crewed fighter jet that would control up to six Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The CCA program, which is closely linked to NGAD, continues to advance rapidly. The pause in the NGAD program does not affect other aspects of air superiority modernization, which are moving ahead as planned.
This decision follows months of speculation and hints from Air Force officials about potential disruptions in the program. Last year, the Air Force announced plans to select a builder for NGAD in 2023, with Lockheed Martin and Boeing as the main competitors. However, this timeline is now uncertain as the Air Force reassesses the project.
The need for a reassessment stems from evolving technological and strategic challenges. One major factor is the increasing threat to U.S. airfields from adversaries like China, which has developed a significant inventory of cruise, ballistic, and hypersonic missiles targeting these bases. This development raises concerns about the survivability and operational flexibility of the NGAD platform.
Additionally, the rapid pace of technological innovation, both by the U.S. and its adversaries, necessitates frequent upgrades to maintain air superiority. Kendall highlighted the importance of ensuring the NGAD platform can accommodate future advancements and remain effective in a dynamic threat environment.
The delay in the NGAD program is likely to impact major aerospace contractors, particularly Lockheed Martin and Boeing, who are vying for the lucrative contract. The parallel effort to develop the fighter’s engine, involving GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney, was not discussed in terms of potential delays.
Budgetary constraints and the high costs associated with the NGAD program also play a role in the decision to pause. The Air Force faces competing priorities, including the B-21 Raider stealth bomber and the Sentinel ICBM, both of which require substantial funding. Balancing these programs with the need for a new sixth-generation fighter jet poses significant financial challenges.
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