US air force secretary emphasises cost control for next generation air dominance

The Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, designed to usher in a new era of air superiority, faces a critical juncture as it moves forward.

Despite recent reports to the contrary, the American Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program remains very much in progress, though its design and functionality might be reassessed to reduce costs, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall underscored the critical importance of fiscal year 2026 for NGAD, stressing that quick decision-making is vital for securing the program's future. Kendall aims to keep the NGAD's cost lower than the F-35’s price, targeting a range between $80 million and $100 million, and possibly even less. “We’re committed to the core mission of the United States Air Force – to provide air superiority,” Kendall affirmed. 

Experts, however, suggest that meeting Kendall’s cost targets in today’s complex geopolitical and financial environment will require significant trade-offs. The aircraft might need to switch from two engines to one, resulting in a series of adjustments that could limit the program’s scope. This could include compromises on payload capacity. The NGAD program is designed to usher in a new era of air superiority fighters, intended to replace the F-22 Raptor. While the F-22 is known for its stealth and advanced systems, the NGAD’s design reflects evolving tactical needs and technological advancements.

Early plans envisioned a robust, two-engine platform with a substantial payload. However, recent discussions suggest that the NGAD might be a single-engine model with a reduced payload and operational range, raising questions about how it will compare to the F-22. The single-engine configuration could impact the NGAD’s performance, particularly regarding its thrust-to-weight ratio and redundancy in case of engine failure. While the F-22’s twin-engine design provides substantial power and reliability, improvements in engine technology might mitigate some of the limitations of a single-engine approach. The NGAD’s emphasis on stealth and advanced sensor integration could greatly enhance situational awareness and mission success, even if its physical design differs from that of the F-22. A smaller profile and reduced logistical requirements may allow the NGAD to operate more flexibly in diverse environments, addressing new challenges such as advanced enemy air defenses. 

Ultimately, the NGAD’s success in surpassing the F-22 will depend on its ability to integrate cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, sensor fusion, and networked operations. Although it represents a shift from sheer power to agility and adaptability, these advancements could enable the NGAD to undertake missions previously beyond the F-22’s capabilities. As combat evolves, the NGAD’s effectiveness will likely hinge on its capacity to leverage these technological advancements and adapt to contemporary threats, potentially setting a new benchmark in air superiority beyond the F-22’s legacy. The NGAD program signifies a major advance in military aviation, with innovative design approaches potentially unlocking new capabilities. 

By Naila Huseynova