Beyond the F-35: US, China are racing to build 6th-gen jets that will command drone fleets
The United States and China are competing to develop sixth-generation fighter jets that integrate AI, stealth, and drone fleet command capabilities. These aircraft are designed to operate in highly contested environments, moving beyond the focus on speed and maneuverability.
Why it matters
The development of next-generation aerial combat technology signals a shift in global military power dynamics and the future of autonomous warfare.
As tensions simmer in the Indo-Pacific, the US and China are developing a new, more powerful generation of fighter aircraft for a potential conflict. Unlike earlier fighters that relied heavily on speed and manoeuvrability, these aircraft will use stealth, artificial intelligence and connectivity as key advantages.Even as fifth-generation fighters such as the F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II and China's J-20 have transformed stealth, sensor fusion and situational awareness, military planners are already preparing for the next era of aerial combat.
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