What You Need to Know: The U.S. Air Force is developing three ambitious programs to maintain air superiority: the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) sixth-generation fighter, Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drone swarms, and the Next Generation Aerial-refueling System (NGAS).
-However, rising costs, including the NGAD’s estimated $300 million per aircraft, are forcing tough prioritization decisions. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall acknowledged the challenge of funding these programs while preparing for potential conflict with China, especially amid modernization costs for the nuclear triad.
-Kendall emphasized the need for creative solutions, increased resources, and strategic prioritization to ensure readiness for a near-peer conflict, particularly over Taiwan.
The U.S. Air Force is modernizing. With the 2030s coming up fast and the threat of near-peer conflict with China always on the horizon, the Air Force is working on several ambitious programs to ensure the U.S. military enjoys air superiority in a potential conflict.
Some of the programs currently in the works include the Next........