The US Air Force plans to award a contract to develop a 6th generation fighter jet in 2024.
A US Air Force F-22 fighter jet during a training flight near Al Udeid air base in Doha, Qatar (Photo: Reuters).
Reuters reported on May 18 that the US Air Force planned to award a contract to develop and manufacture a 6th generation fighter jet to a domestic contractor in 2024. This is seen as Washington DC's response to the rapid advances of China's defense industry.
According to Reuters, three manufacturers Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Northrop Grumman will bid for the above contract. However, all three defense industry corporations have not commented on this information.
Previously, the US Air Force released a document outlining the technical features it expects from a 6th generation fighter.
“This aircraft will be capable of enduring, survivable, interoperable and adaptable in a highly contested operating environment. No one does this better than the U.S. Air Force. However, we will lose this advantage if we do not move forward now,” said U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall.
The Air Force is expected to spend a total of $2.3 billion on the program in fiscal year 2024. Another $595 million has been approved to design engines for the force's sixth-generation fighter.
According to Dan Tri
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