// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Air Dominance
Air dominance is a degree of control in the air that is so complete, the opposing force is incapable of any effective interference with your operations. It means your forces can operate on land, sea, and in the air without any significant threat from enemy aircraft or missiles.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Air dominance is a state of air superiority where a joint force commander's air power holds such complete control over the operational airspace that opposing forces are incapable of effective interference, ensuring freedom from attack and freedom to attack for all friendly land, maritime, and air operations. This condition, often termed air supremacy, represents the highest level of control over an adversary's air and missile threats, enabling unimpeded military action.
BACKGROUND
The Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) is a United States Air Force (USAF) initiative that aims to field systems to succeed the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor in the air superiority mission. These include a sixth-generation crewed fighter aircraft, dubbed the Penetrating Counter-Air (PCA) platform, and uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) operating in a manned-unmanned teaming concept.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- air supremacy
- command of the air
- total air control
- control of the skies
- full air superiority
USAGE NOTE
This term represents the highest, most desirable level of air control, considered a prerequisite for successful modern joint military operations.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Air Dominance.
A primary developer of 5th-generation air dominance platforms, including the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II. Its advanced development division, Skunk Works, is a key player in developing the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) platform.
A lead developer of advanced stealth aircraft like the B-21 Raider and a principal contractor for the US Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. The company also produces critical sensors, electronic warfare systems, and autonomous technologies.
Manufacturer of the F-15EX Eagle II and F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets. Its Phantom Works division is developing next-generation technologies, including autonomous systems and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) concepts.
Develops and produces critical subsystems for air dominance. Its Collins Aerospace and Raytheon divisions provide advanced avionics, sensors, and radars, while its Pratt & Whitney division builds the engines for the F-35 and F-22.
The primary science and technology research center for the U.S. Air Force. AFRL is a leader in developing foundational technologies for the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) ecosystem, including propulsion, advanced materials, and autonomous systems.
An agency of the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for developing emerging technologies. DARPA's Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program uses AI for autonomous air-to-air combat, pushing the boundaries of future air dominance capabilities.
A key international partner in the F-35 program and a lead developer in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a multinational initiative to create a next-generation stealth fighter.
Specializes in the development of low-cost, high-performance unmanned aerial systems. The company's XQ-58A Valkyrie is a leading example of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) concept, designed to augment crewed fighters.