Big challenge for US as China gets ready to unveil deadly sixth-generation fighter jet as early as…

Chinese development of a sixth-generation fighter jet is progressing rapidly.

New Delhi: We carried a report on Sunday, November 11 about a prototype sixth-generation fighter jet secretly designed, built, and test-flown by the United States in 2020. In 2024, the USAF may have got its hands on the world’s first sixth-generation fighter jet. This news is sufficient to send around a shockwave among the big powers in Asia, Europe, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

It was the B-21 Raider, described as the future of deterrence and the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft to reach the skies, according to the Northrop Grumman Corporation that has been developing it for the United States Air Force (USAF).

China and Russia in the race for sixth-generation fighter jets

About three years back, a few companies around the world were reported to be working on other sixth-generation programmes that were presumed to be in various stages of development.

According to SP’s Aviation, “while the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS) is expected to launch the first flight of its New Generation Fighter (NGF) in 2026 the British-led Tempest is expected to be operational by 2035. Both China and Russia are also believed to be working on their own sixth-generation combat planes.”

Next-generation Global Combat Air Program

Taking it further, the trilateral alliance of the United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy has received the nod from London for the next-generation Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). If the alliance sails on smoothly according to the plan, it is very much possible that the trio could unveil the world’s second sixth-generation aircraft soon.

The GCAP is a multinational initiative, formed on December 9, 2022, led by the United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy to jointly develop a sixth-generation stealth fighter. The programme aims to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon in service with both the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Italian Air Force, and the Mitsubishi F-2 in service with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

China might spoil the party

Maybe or maybe not the trilateral alliance of the United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy should thank (for the ambitious project) or blame (for the expense and time) China for the reasons most obvious and the belief that their baby will give them the teeth to at least repel, if not bite and chew any threat from the dragon.

Since China is in the race too, and going by its past records, it would be too early to give the second aircraft to the GCAP alliance as the Chinese development of a sixth-generation fighter jet is progressing rapidly. As expected, the details are under wraps.

Capabilities of sixth-generation fighters

Sixth-generation fighters are still in development worldwide, featuring potential capabilities such as stealth, variable-cycle engines, advanced human-systems integration, optional manning, and cutting-edge digital capabilities including AI and cyber warfare.

China could fly a prototype by 2028

“I can also tell you they’re on track. They see it greatly the way we see it in terms of an exponential reduction in signature and exponential acceleration in processing power and sensing,” said General Mark Kelly, head of the US Air Force Air Combat Command, confirming the existence of China’s program in this regard.

About five years back, Wang Haifeng, chief designer at Chengdu Aerospace Corporation acknowledged China’s pre-research into sixth-generation fighters as he highlighted elements like Artificial Intelligence, greater stealth, and omnidirectional sensors, with a target to field a fighter by 2035. Rick Joe, a commentator on the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), suggests a prototype flight by 2028 is possible, maintaining the 2035 timeline.

China rapidly closing technological gap  

China’s military ambitions are no secret as the Asian giant continues to go ahead with the development of a sixth-generation fighter jet. PLA commentator Rick Joe estimates that if China is to meet its 2035 timeline for deployment, a prototype must be ready by 2028. Joe believes this is feasible, considering Beijing’s structured program of record.

While some doubt China’s ability to produce a credible sixth-generation fighter, leading experts believe China possesses the necessary know-how. Despite ongoing challenges, particularly with jet engines, China is closing the technological gap with continuous advancements.