// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Fifth-Generation Fighter
A fifth-generation fighter is the most technologically advanced class of jet fighter, defined by features like all-aspect stealth to evade radar, supercruise to fly at supersonic speeds efficiently, and highly integrated avionics for superior pilot awareness.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A fifth-generation fighter is an advanced multirole or air superiority combat aircraft classification characterized by very low-observable (VLO) stealth technology, supercruise capability, extreme maneuverability, and advanced integrated avionics with sensor fusion for network-centric warfare, exemplified by the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.
BACKGROUND
A fifth-generation fighter is a jet fighter aircraft classification which includes major technologies developed during the first part of the 21st century. As of 2026, these are the most advanced fighters in operation. The characteristics of a fifth-generation fighter are not universally agreed upon, and not every fifth-generation type necessarily has them all; however, they typically include stealth, low-probability-of-intercept radar (LPIR), agile airframes with supercruise performance, advanced avionics features, and highly integrated computer systems capable of networking with other elements within the battlespace for situational awareness and C3 (command, control and communications) capabilities.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- 5th-gen fighter
- stealth fighter
- advanced tactical fighter
- VLO aircraft
- fifth-gen jet
USAGE NOTE
This classification is used to distinguish the most modern combat aircraft from previous 'fourth-generation' designs based on a leap in stealth and sensor integration.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Fifth-Generation Fighter.
The prime contractor for the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II, the world's most widely-used fifth-generation fighters. They are a leader in stealth technology, advanced avionics, and sensor fusion.
A principal partner on the F-35 program, responsible for producing the center fuselage and contributing to its stealth coatings and sensor systems. The company is a renowned expert in stealth aircraft, having developed the B-2 and B-21 bombers.
A key international partner in the F-35 Lightning II program, manufacturing the aft fuselage and vertical and horizontal tails for every aircraft. They also provide advanced electronic warfare systems for the platform.
A subsidiary of RTX Corporation, they design and manufacture the engines that power the F-22 (F119 engine) and the F-35 (F135 engine), which are critical components enabling supercruise and high performance.
A major Russian aerospace company that designed and manufactures the Su-57 Felon, Russia's first operational fifth-generation stealth fighter.
A Chinese state-owned aerospace manufacturer that developed the J-20 Mighty Dragon, China's first fifth-generation stealth fighter, currently in service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force.
The national aerospace and defense company of Turkey, currently developing the TF Kaan, an indigenous twin-engine all-weather fifth-generation air superiority fighter.
The primary South Korean aerospace company developing the KF-21 Boramae. While often termed a 4.5-generation fighter, it incorporates significant fifth-generation technologies, including stealth shaping and advanced avionics, with plans for further upgrades.