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    NGAD: A Future Air Superiority Legend or a Sky-High Expense?

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    The United States Air Force is forging ahead with the development of its next air dominance warrior, the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter.

    F-22 Fighter Jet at Sunset
    F-22 Fighter Jet at Sunset

    Anticipated as the successor to the F-22, the NGAD is set to showcase state-of-the-art technologies, potentially encompassing advanced digital capabilities and the integration of laser weapons.

    The NGAD is expected to host a range of futuristic features including advanced digital capabilities, human-systems integration, variable cycle engines, increased range, beyond visual range (BVR) weapons, and possibly even laser armaments.

    In a previous article for The National Interest, Brent Eastwood mentioned that the NGAD is envisioned as a “family of systems” that includes an unmanned ‘loyal wingman’ concept.

    He elaborated, stating, “The drones would operate alongside the NGAD in a formation, performing tasks such as gathering intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data, deploying stand-off munitions, and serving as a decoy… It is conceivable that the NGAD could be excluded, allowing the loyal wingman drones to independently carry out offensive missions.

    This approach could result in significant cost savings, eliminating the billions of dollars required to launch the NGAD by the end of this decade.”

    However, the skies cast a shadow of skepticism with a projected cost of approximately $300 million per aircraft, igniting debate over whether this state-of-the-art warbird justifies such an astronomical expense.

    In light of the United States’ defense budget, which is already markedly higher than that of its nearest competitors, the NGAD program is not without its critics.

    One angle presented by Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall is the need for technological evolution in airframes as adversaries’ capabilities improve.

    “The US is ahead of the curve at the moment, but the curve is catching up,” Kendall asserted, referencing the pressure from primary rivals to maintain an edge in military aviation.

    Critics argue that the focus on a manned fighter could be misplaced when unmanned systems could potentially take over offensive missions, thus saving billions.

    Brent Eastwood highlights this perspective, suggesting that “the drones would fly in a formation with the NGAD and either collect intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data or launch stand-off munitions and even act as a decoy.”

    While the NGAD’s manned aircraft component garners attention, the program’s unmanned dimension is equally significant.

    Thousands of drones, potentially including models like the Boeing XQ-58A Valkyrie, are expected to support the manned aircraft, adding to the complexity and dynamism of the future battlespace.

    These unmanned systems could mitigate the Air Force’s pilot shortage, enhance capabilities, and serve specialized roles ranging from surveillance to resupply missions.

    Relevant articles:
    NGAD: The $300 Million Fighter the U.S. Air Force Doesn’t Need?, The National Interest
    NGAD: The $300 Million 6th Generation Fighter the Air Force Might Not Need, The National Interest
    America’s Next Air Dominance NGAD Fighter Jet to cost whopping $300 Million per unit – Indian Defence Research Wing, idrw.org
    Why America’s new NGAD fighter could be a bargain, even at $300 million each, Sandboxx

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