SOURCE: AFI
The head of Air Combat Command (ACC), General Kenneth Wilsbach, recently indicated the Air Force is on track to select a contractor for its next-generation fighter jet program later this year. This news comes amidst concerns about the affordability of the program, dubbed Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD).
NGAD is envisioned as a comprehensive system, not just a single aircraft. It’s expected to include an advanced piloted fighter jet, a fleet of unmanned drone wingmen known as collaborative combat aircraft, a cutting-edge engine, and potentially other integrated technologies.
The Air Force initially planned to award the NGAD development contract in 2024. However, recent budget constraints raised questions about the program’s affordability. In June, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall declined to comment on potential changes to the program’s timeline.
Despite these concerns, General Wilsbach’s recent statement suggests the selection process remains on track for a 2024 conclusion.
The high cost of NGAD is a major concern. Air Force Secretary Kendall previously stated the program could be “roughly three times” more expensive than the F-35 fighter jet, which itself carries a price tag of $80 million to $100 million per unit. This high cost likely limits the number of NGAD aircraft the Air Force can ultimately purchase.
Lockheed Martin and Boeing are considered the frontrunners for the NGAD contract. Northrop Grumman opted out of bidding as a prime contractor in 2023.
The NGAD program aims to develop a new generation of fighter jets to replace the Air Force’s F-22 Raptor fleet sometime in the 2030s. This next-generation system will be crucial for maintaining American air superiority in the decades to come.