The US Air Force has issued a stark warning: China could potentially outpace the United States in deploying the world’s first sixth-generation fighter jet.
This comes amid reports that China has already conducted flight tests for its prototype, showcasing its relentless drive to challenge US air dominance.
A New Era of Airpower Competition
Andrew Hunter, the outgoing Air Force acquisition executive, recently revealed the growing concern in an interview with Breaking Defense.
While expressing confidence in the technical superiority of American designs, Hunter conceded that China might achieve initial operational capability (IOC) for its advanced fighter jet before the United States.
“They could beat us to the punch,” Hunter admitted, acknowledging the rapid pace at which Beijing is advancing its airpower capabilities.
He noted that while the US has closely monitored China’s military developments, the speed of their progress is remarkable.
In December, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) unveiled a tailless sixth-generation fighter jet with a double-delta wing design, optimized for supersonic performance. This development signals China’s broader strategy to erode US air dominance, a cornerstone of American military power for decades.
China’s 6th generation fighter model (Image grab via X)
Hunter highlighted the Air Force’s “meaningful technical advantages” and emphasized that the US system is producing high-quality materials, even if progress is slower than desired.
The US Air Force has issued a stark warning: China could potentially outpace the United States in deploying the world’s first sixth-generation fighter jet.
This comes amid reports that China has already conducted flight tests for its prototype, showcasing its relentless drive to challenge US air dominance.
A New Era of Airpower Competition
Andrew Hunter, the outgoing Air Force acquisition executive, recently revealed the growing concern in an interview with Breaking Defense.
While expressing confidence in the technical superiority of American designs, Hunter conceded that China might achieve initial operational capability (IOC) for its advanced fighter jet before the United States.
“They could beat us to the punch,” Hunter admitted, acknowledging the rapid pace at which Beijing is advancing its airpower capabilities.
He noted that while the US has closely monitored China’s military developments, the speed of their progress is remarkable.
In December, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) unveiled a tailless sixth-generation fighter jet with a double-delta wing design, optimized for supersonic performance. This development signals China’s broader strategy to erode US air dominance, a cornerstone of American military power for decades.
China’s 6th generation fighter model (Image grab via X)
Hunter highlighted the Air Force’s “meaningful technical advantages” and emphasized that the US system is producing high-quality materials, even if progress is slower than desired.
This sentiment aligns with the US Air Force’s ongoing efforts under the highly classified Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.
Launched in 2023, NGAD aims to deliver a sixth-generation fighter capable of dominating contested airspace. Designed to work alongside drone wingmen, this advanced aircraft promises enhanced lethality, survivability, and adaptability.
However, the program’s success depends on overcoming significant challenges, including securing the estimated $20 billion needed for its development.
US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall recently stressed the importance of NGAD but warned that other priorities, such as next-generation tankers and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), could affect funding.
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Despite China’s advances, Hunter expressed confidence in the US Air Force’s ability to field a superior aircraft.
“I think we’ll have the better capability, but we certainly have no time to lose,” he stated.
While some defense experts were surprised, Hunter noted that the US had been anticipating such developments.
“It’s fair to say we pay a lot of attention to what the Chinese are doing,” he said, adding that the Air Force was not caught off guard by the prototypes’ emergence.
The PLA’s advancements are part of a broader strategy to close the gap with the US military, particularly in airpower.
The double-delta wing design of China’s prototype suggests an emphasis on supersonic speed and maneuverability, capabilities critical for future aerial warfare.
NGAD: A Critical Component of US Strategy
The Air Force’s NGAD program remains the centerpiece of its strategy to maintain air superiority.
As a potential replacement for the F-22, NGAD is designed to deliver next-generation capabilities, including advanced sensors, stealth technology, and integration with autonomous systems. However, the program’s future hinges on decisions by the incoming Trump administration.
Kendall has indicated that the Air Force may explore alternatives to NGAD, such as an “F-35 follow-on” multirole aircraft or increased reliance on drone technology. These options reflect the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare, though Kendall emphasized that the Air Force is not yet ready to abandon manned aircraft entirely.
“The culture and the history of the Air Force is about the role of the pilot,” Kendall said. “Letting go of that is an incredibly difficult emotional thing for people to do.”
The Stakes in the Sixth-Generation Race
The race to deploy the first sixth-generation fighter jet is about more than technological bragging rights—it’s a contest for strategic dominance in the skies. For decades, US airpower has been a critical deterrent against adversaries. Losing that edge to China would have far-reaching implications for global security.
Hunter’s warning serves as a call to action for US policymakers. While the Air Force remains confident in its ability to produce a superior fighter, the urgency to accelerate development is clear.
The next administration will need to make tough decisions about funding priorities and the role of emerging technologies like drone wingmen in the Air Force’s future.
As China continues to push the boundaries of military innovation, the US must act swiftly to ensure it maintains its air superiority. The skies may soon become the defining battleground in the competition between the world’s two superpowers, and the race is far from over.
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