As the quest for air superiority evolves, a new generation of fighter jets is emerging that promises to redefine aerial warfare for decades to come. The race to develop sixth generation fighters is intensifying, with major powers like the United States, Europe, China, and Turkeykey pushing the boundaries of stealth, artificial intelligence (AI), and drone integration. In this article, we explore the defining features of these next-generation aircraft, compare key programs—America’s F47 NGAD, Europe’s FCAS and GCAP projects, and China’s advancing platforms—and discuss how this technological leap is poised to change the future of air combat.

What Does Sixth Generation Mean?

To appreciate these new jet fighters, it helps to know what makes them “sixth generation.” Fifth-generation jets such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II introduced groundbreaking stealth and highly advanced sensor systems. Sixth generation fighters take these advances further with several key enhancements:

Extreme Stealth: Sophisticated shapes and materials make these jets even harder to detect on radar.
Optional Manned or Unmanned Operation: They can be flown by pilots or independently in autonomous mode.
High-Energy Directed Weapons: Integration of lasers and other energy weapons to engage threats with speed and precision.
Artificial Intelligence Augmentation: AI aids pilots by processing vast amounts of data for split-second decision-making.
Drone Wingmen Integration: The ability to command swarms of drones that act as scouts, electronic jammers, or additional firepower, effectively multiplying combat power while keeping human pilots at lower risk.

Crucially, sixth generation fighters aren’t solo warriors but hubs in larger, integrated combat networks. They share data with other aircraft, ships, satellites, and ground forces to improve situational awareness and strike capabilities.

The United States’ F47 NGAD: Commanding the Drone Swarms

In March 2025, the U.S. unveiled the F-47, the first officially designated sixth generation fighter developed under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. Boeing heads the development, with Defense Secretary Pete Hexith highlighting its cost-effectiveness, extended range, and superior stealth compared to previous fighters.

The F-47’s real game-changer is its role as the command center for a family of advanced collaborative combat aircraft (drones). A single F-47 combined with its drone wingmen could engage over 200 targets simultaneously—vastly outnumbering the roughly 80 targets a 20-jet F-35 squadron might handle. This capability not only multiplies combat power but also keeps pilots away from the most dangerous parts of the battlefield. The approach significantly extends operational reach, disperses risk, and embodies a strategic shift toward networked, multi-platform combat operations.

Europe’s Dual Approach: FCAS and GCAP

Europe is pursuing two rival sixth generation fighter programs as it seeks to catch up and maintain sovereignty in advanced air combat technology.

FCAS (Future Combat Air System): Led by France, Germany, and Spain, FCAS is a collaboration involving Dassault Aviation, Airbus, and Indra. It envisions a manned fighter supported by unmanned systems and a shared digital battle network, akin to the F-47 concept. However, FCAS has encountered development delays caused by disagreements over industrial responsibilities and design ownership. FCAS aims for an operational debut around 2040. – GCAP (Global Combat Air Program): This project unites the UK, Italy, and Japan by merging the UK’s Tempest program with Japan’s FX fighter development. BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries spearhead this effort, targeting earlier entry into service—around 2035. Smaller European nations such as Portugal are aligning with GCAP, even reconsidering U.S. purchases like the F-35 due to concerns about long-term policy predictability and technological independence.

Europe’s dual-track strategy reflects both geopolitical ambitions and industrial competition, with GCAP currently holding a timeline advantage over FCAS.

China’s Steady March Forward

China’s aviation industry has rapidly grown from relying on imported designs to fielding indigenous advanced jets. The Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon, operational today, is one of only three fifth generation fighters worldwide. Chinese defense experts indicate the country is already developing sixth generation technologies that emphasize enhanced stealth, AI deployment, and directed energy weapons.

Experts speculate Beijing could deploy a sixth generation platform by as early as 2028—potentially outpacing some Western programs. This accelerated timeline has fueled increased defense spending in the West as nations seek to maintain a technological edge.

Turkeykey’s Indigenous Rise: The Kan Fighter

After being excluded from the F-35 program in 2019, Turkeykey pivoted toward developing its own fifth generation fighter—the Kan. Although classified as a fifth generation jet, the Kan represents a significant shift toward domestic airpower capabilities and has already found an export market, with Indonesia ordering 48 units. Turkeykey positions the Kan as a cost-effective alternative for emerging air forces.

Transforming Airpower: The Implications of Sixth Generation Fighters

The dawn of sixth generation fighters heralds substantial shifts in air dominance, summarized in three main effects:

Challenge to Existing Air Defenses: Current surface-to-air missile systems may struggle against the increased stealth and electronic warfare capabilities, forcing nations to invest heavily in next-generation defenses.

Complex New Battlefield Dynamics: The blend of manned aircraft with drone wingmen adds new layers of tactics, requiring revamped training programs and operational doctrines.

Escalating Costs and Partnerships: Developing these sophisticated jets demands investments exceeding $100 billion per program, often limiting independent development to a few nations. Smaller countries will need to align strategically to access cutting-edge technologies, prompting debates over technology control and political reliability—issues already evident in discussions around the F-35. The expanding technological arms race also poses geopolitical risks, as nations feel compelled to match advancements to maintain deterrence, potentially diverting resources from other priorities.

Conclusion: Winning the Skies of Tomorrow

The future of air combat lies in the seamless integration of manned fighters, autonomous drones, AI-driven decision-making, and ultra-stealth design. Whether it’s the U.S. F-47 NGAD, Europe’s FCAS and GCAP, China’s emerging platforms, or Turkeykey’s Kan, each program represents a critical stake in tomorrow’s air dominance.

These sixth generation programs are not mere upgrades but foundational shifts that will determine which nations can project power effectively and safely through airborne warfare in the decades ahead.

What’s your take? Are sixth generation fighters worth the colossal investment? Which program do you think will take to the skies first and most effectively—the F-47 NGAD, GCAP, FCAS, or a Chinese platform? Share your thoughts and join the conversation as we watch this high-stakes race unfold.

For more insights on military aviation and technology, stay tuned for our next deep dive.