Next Generation Air Dominance: A

Comparative Study of Key Technologies

and Strategies
The pursuit of air dominance has been a cornerstone of military strategy for decades. As
technology advances and the global security landscape evolves, nations are constantly seeking
ways to maintain an edge in the aerial domain. The United States Air Force (USAF) is at the
forefront of this endeavor with its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. NGAD
represents a revolutionary approach to air superiority, transitioning from reliance on a single,
dominant fighter platform to a more distributed and integrated "family of systems." This article
delves into the core tenets of NGAD, drawing upon recent research and expert opinions to
provide a comprehensive analysis of its key technologies, strategies, and potential implications
for the future of air warfare.

Overview of the NGAD Program

The NGAD program, initiated by the USAF, aims to develop and field a new generation of air
superiority capabilities to succeed the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor 1. Envisioned as a "family of
systems," NGAD is not merely a next-generation fighter jet but a network of integrated platforms
and technologies designed to ensure air dominance in the face of evolving threats. This family
of systems includes a crewed fighter aircraft, known as the Penetrating Counter-Air (PCA)
platform, supported by uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft (CCA), often referred to as "loyal
wingmen" 1. This manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) approach is central to NGAD's
operational concept 1.

The NGAD family of systems also includes the CCA program, which focuses on developing
variants of uncrewed, semi-autonomous aircraft that can operate alongside the NGAD fighter or
other fighter aircraft 2. This approach allows for greater flexibility and adaptability in air combat
by distributing roles and responsibilities across different platforms.

It is important to note that NGAD could potentially deviate from the traditional concept of a
"fighter" altogether 3. The program may explore innovative aircraft configurations and
operational concepts that leverage emerging technologies and unmanned systems to achieve
air superiority in new and unexpected ways.

Program Funding and Timeline

The development of NGAD involves significant financial investment. The Biden Administration
has requested $2.75 billion for research and development for the NGAD platform and $557
million for CCA in FY2025 2. In FY2023, NGAD requested $1.6 billion for continued
development 3. The Air Force plans to award the contract for NGAD at some point in 2024, with
 Lockheed Martin and Boeing expected to be the main contenders 3.

Key Technologies and Strategies

Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)

MUM-T is a critical element of the NGAD program, enabling the integration of manned fighter
aircraft with unmanned CCAs. This collaborative approach offers several advantages:
●​ Increased Situational Awareness: CCAs can act as sensor platforms, extending the range
and coverage of the manned aircraft and providing a more comprehensive view of the
battlespace 4.
●​ Enhanced Lethality: CCAs can carry additional weapons and perform high-risk missions,
increasing the overall firepower and flexibility of the NGAD system 5.
●​ Improved Survivability: CCAs can act as decoys or perform suppression of enemy air
defenses, reducing the risk to the manned aircraft 5.
●​ Reduced Risk to Human Life: By taking on dangerous tasks, CCAs can minimize the
exposure of pilots to harm 4.

AI plays a crucial role in MUM-T, enabling enhanced accuracy, operational flexibility, and
continuous machine learning 8. By leveraging AI, the collaboration between manned and
unmanned systems can be optimized for greater efficiency and effectiveness.

To illustrate the practical application of MUM-T, consider a scenario where a helicopter is

deployed for a reconnaissance mission 9. Upon reaching the target area, the helicopter lands
and deploys a drone. The drone, controlled by the mission commander onboard the helicopter,
provides real-time video and data, extending the visual range and providing a comprehensive
tactical overview. This forward reconnaissance capability reduces the risk of detection for the
helicopter and enhances situational awareness for the mission commander.

However, MUM-T also presents challenges:

●​ Increased Pilot Workload: Managing both the manned aircraft and the CCAs can increase
the cognitive burden on pilots 5. For example, a pilot might need to monitor multiple sensor
feeds from different CCAs while simultaneously controlling their own aircraft and coordinating
with other manned platforms. This increased workload could lead to cognitive overload and
reduced situational awareness.
●​ Interoperability Challenges: Ensuring seamless communication and coordination between
different platforms can be complex 5. Different CCAs might have different communication
protocols or data formats, creating challenges for integrating them into a cohesive system.
●​ Ethical and Legal Considerations: The use of autonomous systems in combat raises
ethical and legal questions regarding accountability and the potential for unintended
consequences 10. For instance, if a CCA malfunctions and causes civilian casualties, who is
ultimately responsible? These ethical and legal questions need to be carefully addressed as
MUM-T technology matures.
●​ Vulnerability to Cyberattacks and Electronic Warfare: Unmanned systems are potentially
vulnerable to cyberattacks or electronic warfare, which could disrupt their communication
 links or compromise their functionality. This vulnerability could jeopardize the effectiveness of
MUM-T operations and pose risks to the manned aircraft involved.

Furthermore, the development of MUM-T must consider the limitations of traditional helicopter
operations that it aims to address 9. These limitations include the risk of detection in hostile
environments, restricted visual range, and the physical risks to troops during reconnaissance or
search and rescue missions. MUM-T seeks to overcome these limitations by leveraging the
capabilities of unmanned systems.

Another challenge in MUM-T is the effective integration of human augmentation and autonomy,
particularly in the context of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) 11. While human input remains
crucial for critical decision-making, excessive reliance on manual control of unmanned systems
can be inefficient and overwhelming for operators. Finding the right balance between human
control and autonomous capabilities is essential for optimizing MUM-T operations.

Advanced Aircraft Design

The NGAD fighter jet is expected to achieve initial operational capability by the 2030s, aligning
with the planned retirement of the F-22 fleet 12. It is expected to incorporate several advanced
design features:
●​ Tailless Structure: This design enhances stealth capabilities and maneuverability 12.
●​ Advanced Composite Materials: These materials further reduce radar signature and
improve structural integrity 12.
●​ Adaptive Cycle Engines: These engines provide increased fuel efficiency and electrical
power, enabling the integration of advanced technologies like directed energy weapons 12.
●​ Advanced Sensor Suite: The NGAD fighter will be equipped with a sophisticated sensor
suite, likely incorporating artificial intelligence for enhanced situational awareness and
decision-making 12.

Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP)

The NGAP program is a key component of NGAD, focused on developing advanced engines for
the next-generation fighter jet 13. These engines are expected to offer significant improvements
in survivability, fuel efficiency, power generation, and thermal management. The advancements
in propulsion technology under NGAP will be crucial for enabling the NGAD fighter to achieve its
performance goals and operate effectively in contested environments.

Emerging Technologies
NGAD is also exploring the integration of emerging technologies:

Hypersonic Weapons

These weapons offer increased speed and maneuverability, potentially overwhelming enemy
defenses 14. However, challenges remain in terms of guidance, control, and survivability in the
 hypersonic regime 15. Specific hypersonic weapon programs being developed include:
●​ Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW): This program aims to develop an
air-launched hypersonic missile for the US Air Force 16.
●​ Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS): This program focuses on developing a hypersonic
boost-glide missile with longer range and shorter flight times 16.
●​ Hypersonic Air-Launched Offensive Anti-Surface Warfare (HALO): This program aims to
develop hypersonic weapons for carrier-based aircraft to engage surface threats 16.
●​ Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW): This program is developing a ground-launched
hypersonic missile with high maneuverability 16.

Directed Energy Weapons

These weapons offer the potential for precise and rapid engagement of targets with a virtually
unlimited magazine 17. However, challenges remain in terms of power generation, size, and
atmospheric effects 18. The Department of the Air Force is actively working on transitioning
directed energy technology to fielded capabilities 19. This includes the establishment of a
working group with operational and developer stakeholders to facilitate the exchange of
feedback, data, and transition plans. The Air Force also plans to collect and incorporate user
feedback during the development and testing of directed energy prototypes 19.

When employed, directed energy weapons (DEW) would be part of a multi-layered defense
approach, integrated with other systems like defensive counter air intercept and Patriot missiles
20
. This multi-layered approach would provide a more robust and resilient defense against a
variety of threats.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is expected to play a crucial role in NGAD, enabling autonomous capabilities for CCAs,
enhancing situational awareness, and assisting pilots in complex combat scenarios 12. However,
the increasing reliance on AI in military systems raises ethical concerns, particularly regarding
autonomous targeting and decision-making. It is crucial to ensure that AI systems are
developed and employed in a manner that is consistent with ethical principles and international
humanitarian law.

Comparing and Contrasting Perspectives

While there is a general consensus on the need for NGAD and its core objectives, different
perspectives exist regarding the specific technologies and strategies that should be prioritized.
 Author/Source Main Argument Supporting Key Differences
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These perspectives highlight the different aspects of NGAD and the varying opinions on its
priorities. Some analysts emphasize the importance of developing highly advanced manned
fighter aircraft with cutting-edge capabilities, while others advocate for a greater focus on
unmanned systems and MUM-T. There are also varying opinions on the optimal balance
between investment in emerging technologies like hypersonics and directed energy weapons
versus enhancing existing capabilities.

Potential Implications for the Future of Air Warfare

NGAD has the potential to significantly shape the future of air warfare. The MUM-T concept,
with its emphasis on collaborative operations between manned and unmanned platforms, could
revolutionize air combat tactics and strategies 22. The future of MUM-T will also involve a diverse
array of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), ranging from small, agile micro-UAVs for
reconnaissance to larger platforms for strikes and electronic warfare 23. This diversity of UAS will
provide greater flexibility and adaptability in air combat.

The integration of emerging technologies like hypersonics and directed energy weapons could
further disrupt traditional air warfare paradigms, creating new challenges and opportunities for
both offense and defense 17. Hypersonic weapons, with their speed and maneuverability, could
challenge existing air defense systems and create new dilemmas for strategic planners.
Directed energy weapons could provide a more cost-effective and efficient means of countering
aerial threats, particularly drone swarms.

Looking ahead, the future of warfare will likely involve a combination of MUM-T and fully
autonomous systems 25. The specific mix of manned, unmanned, and autonomous platforms will
depend on the mission requirements, the operating environment, and the level of acceptable
risk.

It is also important to consider the potential applications of MUM-T beyond traditional air
combat. For instance, MUM-T could be utilized in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, where
unmanned systems could be deployed to locate survivors or deliver supplies in hazardous
environments 5.

Geopolitical Implications
The development of NGAD and its associated technologies, particularly hypersonic weapons,
has significant geopolitical implications. The potential for hypersonic weapons to trigger an arms
race among major powers is a serious concern 14. As nations strive to develop and deploy these
advanced capabilities, it could lead to increased military spending, heightened tensions, and a
greater risk of miscalculation.

In the Indo-Pacific region, NGAD could significantly impact the military balance between the US
and China. The advanced capabilities of NGAD, combined with its focus on the Indo-Pacific
theater, could enhance the US military presence in the region and potentially deter Chinese
aggression. However, it could also contribute to regional instability if perceived as a threat by
China or other regional actors.

International Efforts in Next-Generation Fighter

Aircraft
The US is not alone in pursuing next-generation fighter aircraft. The US Navy is also working on
a similar program called F/A XX, which has requested $9 billion in funding 3. Furthermore,
US-allied partners, including France, Germany, Britain, Italy, Spain, and Japan, are all investing
in their own next-generation fighter aircraft programs 3. This global trend towards developing
advanced air combat capabilities highlights the increasing importance of air dominance in the
21st century.

Conclusion
The NGAD program represents a bold and ambitious effort by the USAF to maintain air
dominance in the 21st century. By embracing a family of systems approach and investing in key
technologies, NGAD seeks to address the evolving challenges of the modern battlespace. While
challenges remain in terms of affordability, technological maturity, and strategic integration,
NGAD has the potential to revolutionize air warfare and ensure the USAF's continued air
superiority for decades to come.

One of the key challenges for NGAD is affordability. The estimated cost of the NGAD fighter jet
is nearly $300 million per aircraft 21, raising concerns about the program's budgetary
sustainability and potential impact on other defense priorities. Balancing the need for advanced
capabilities with fiscal constraints will be crucial for the long-term success of NGAD.

Despite the challenges, NGAD has the potential to act as a significant deterrent against
potential adversaries. The advanced capabilities of the NGAD system, including its stealth
features, long range, and integration of emerging technologies, could deter aggression and
contribute to strategic stability 14.

The program's success will depend on continued investment, effective collaboration between
the military and industry, and a clear-eyed assessment of the strategic environment. As NGAD
moves forward, it will be essential to carefully consider the ethical implications of emerging
technologies, the potential for unintended consequences, and the need for international
cooperation to prevent an arms race and maintain global stability.

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