U.S. sixth-generation fighters will have their own drone army

U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall shared new information about the sixth-generation fighter aircraft, which is being developed under the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.

Here's What We Know

At the end of the summer it became known that the U.S. intends to integrate Boeing's MQ-28 Ghost Bat drones into the NGAD project, on which American companies and the Air Force are working. According to Kendall, each sixth-generation fighter will be able to simultaneously fly five drones.

The exact configurations are either classified or unknown because they are in the development phase. But the finished drones should appear before the aircraft itself. Andrew Hunter, undersecretary of the Air Force for acquisition and logistics, added that drones for the fighter aircraft are being built to meet basic operational requirements. Although the criteria for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft are still in the development process themselves.

The drones for the sixth-generation fighter aircraft will have different sizes and functions. Aircraft pilots will be able to use drones to observe or strike the enemy. This will expand the tactical capabilities of the U.S. Air Force.

In conclusion, we would like to add that the United States wants to complete the development of the sixth generation fighter at least a month earlier than China will do. According to preliminary data, the aircraft will appear in 2035.

Source: National Interest

Image: Aero-Mag