Next Generation Air Dominance

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) is a U.S. Air Force initiative and family of systems designed to achieve and maintain air superiority in highly contested future operational environments, integrating advanced manned and unmanned platforms, stealth technologies, sophisticated sensors, network connectivity, and cutting-edge weapon systems to counter peer adversaries.

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.

SYNONYMS & ALIASES

• NGAD
• Future Air Dominance
• Sixth-Generation Air System
• F-X Program
• System of Systems

USAGE NOTE

NGAD is frequently discussed in strategic defense planning concerning potential conflicts with near-peer adversaries and the need to replace aging fourth and fifth-generation aircraft.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Next Generation Air Dominance.

• U.S. Air Force (USAF)

  The primary service branch leading the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, defining requirements, and overseeing its development and integration. They are the ultimate customer and operator of the NGAD system.

• Lockheed Martin

  A major global aerospace and defense company, a prime contractor with extensive experience in developing advanced fighter aircraft (e.g., F-22, F-35) and stealth technology, making them a leading contender for NGAD development.

• Northrop Grumman

  A leading global aerospace and defense technology company known for its expertise in stealth aircraft (e.g., B-2, B-21) and advanced systems, positioning them as a strong competitor for NGAD contracts.

• Boeing

  A prominent aerospace company with a significant defense division, involved in the development and production of various military aircraft, and a likely contender for components or prime contracts within the NGAD ecosystem.

• Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

  A U.S. Department of Defense agency responsible for developing emerging technologies for use by the military. DARPA funds high-risk, high-reward research relevant to future air dominance capabilities, often feeding into programs like NGAD.

• Pratt & Whitney

  A world leader in the design, manufacture, and service of aircraft engines. They are a critical developer of advanced propulsion systems, which will be essential for the performance requirements of NGAD platforms.

• General Electric Aerospace

  A global provider of jet engines, components, and integrated systems for military aircraft. GE Aerospace is a key competitor in developing advanced propulsion technologies for future air combat platforms, including NGAD.

• General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI)

  A manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and reconnaissance and surveillance systems. They are a likely developer of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) and other uncrewed components envisioned as part of the broader NGAD system.