US Shares Sixth-generation Fighter Details – And Things Are Heating Up

As the strategic rivalry between the United States and China intensifies in the Indo-Pacific, the race for next-generation air dominance has officially entered its next phase. The U.S. Air Force has pulled back the curtain on its highly anticipated sixth-generation fighter, the F-47, under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programme.

In a post shared by General David Allvin, new specs were revealed alongside a clear message: the future of air combat will be faster, stealthier, and far more autonomous. The infographic shared by Allvin sheds light on the F-47 fighter jet, designed to replace the aging F-22 Raptor, and two autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones: the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A. Together, these platforms are being built to challenge China’s rapidly evolving aerial capabilities and secure U.S. air dominance in future conflicts.

The F-47 boasts a combat radius exceeding 1,000 nautical miles—a staggering 70% increase over the F-22’s 590-nautical-mile range. This leap in range not only enhances mission flexibility but also supports the Pentagon’s shift toward “distributed operations”, allowing launches from bases farther from potential frontlines. In parallel, the CCA drones will offer a 700-nautical-mile combat radius, significantly expanding the reach and versatility of the manned-unmanned air fleet.

China’s own sixth-gen efforts are picking up steam. Though not officially confirmed, the J-36 and J-50 prototypes have been spotted in public test flights. Chinese state media suggests these aircraft could enforce airspace blockades up to 1,000km from shore, echoing the strategic range ambitions of the F-47.

But it’s not just about distance. The F-47 is rated “Stealth++”, a label that implies radar-evading capabilities surpassing those of both the F-22 and F-35. Allvin’s post emphasized enhancements in radar invisibility, reduced infrared signatures, and improved survivability in highly contested environments, core features for penetrating China’s anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) umbrella.

“These are aircraft meant to fight in the future, not just survive it,” a sentiment echoed in previous statements from U.S. defense officials.

Meanwhile, the F-47 will clock speeds of Mach 2 or more, with its Chinese rivals aiming for Mach 2.5 (J-36) and Mach 2 (J-50). The U.S. aircraft may not be the fastest, but its blend of speed, stealth, and extended range positions it as a formidable strategic asset.

Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, issued a stark warning recently, stating that China could outpace the U.S. in fighter production and even prevent the U.S. from gaining air superiority within the first island chain, which includes Japan, Taiwan, and parts of the Philippines.

In response, the U.S. Air Force plans a sweeping deployment strategy: over 185 F-47s and more than 1,000 CCA drones are set to roll out between 2025 and 2029, with full integration projected for the 2030s. Ground tests for the drones have already begun, signaling an aggressive push toward operational readiness.

However, the journey hasn’t been smooth. The NGAD programme faced a temporary pause last year amid concerns about its hefty projected cost of $300 million per unit. Budget constraints, driven by simultaneous mega-projects like the B-21 Raider stealth bomber and LGM-35 Sentinel ICBM replacement, forced a moment of reflection and re-evaluation. But with geopolitical tensions mounting, investment in sixth-generation air superiority remains a top-tier priority.