What Defines a Sixth-Generation Fighter Jet—and Why It Matters
Sixth-generation fighter jets are being designed as airborne command hubs, capable of collecting real-time data from satellites, drones, and ground forces, then instantly distributing that information to enable faster and more informed decisions.
In a bold move to boost its airpower, China has unveiled what it claims is the world’s first operational sixth-generation fighter—a large, advanced aircraft that signals a major leap in military aviation technology.
With a weight nearing 100,000 pounds, this jet is built to dominate future combat zones. Its reveal coincides with the U.S. Air Force releasing fresh details about its own sixth-generation stealth aircraft, the F-47.
At the same time, Europe and Japan are jointly developing the cutting-edge GCAP Tempest project. These developments signal the dawn of a new era in aerial warfare.
Unlike older models, sixth-generation fighters are crafted for future conflicts, where stealth, sensors, long-range weaponry, and cooperation between piloted jets and autonomous drones will be critical.
While still in the prototype stage, experts—like those at Interesting Engineering—have gathered enough information to visualize what these next-gen war machines might become.
Understanding Fighter Jet Generations
Fighter jets are categorized into “generations” based on the level of technology they introduce to combat operations.
The first generation emerged post–World War II, featuring basic jet propulsion in aircraft like the F-86 Sabre and MiG-15.
The second generation brought radar systems and early heat-seeking missiles, with jets such as the F-104 Starfighter representing this era.
During the third generation, jets became more multi-role, capable of handling various missions, and introduced turbofan engines for improved performance.
Next came the fourth generation, highlighted by jets like the F-16 and Su-27. These aircraft featured digital flight controls, stronger materials, and enhanced avionics.
The fifth generation, including the F-35 Lightning II and China’s J-20 Mighty Dragon, revolutionized air combat with stealth capabilities, making them harder to detect by radar or infrared sensors.
They also integrated advanced radar systems and battlefield-awareness software, giving pilots a real-time edge.
But now, global militaries are gradually shifting toward the next leap: the sixth generation.
What Sets Sixth-Generation Jets Apart
Unlike earlier fighters built mainly for speed and maneuverability, sixth-generation jets are designed to survive and dominate in a radically different kind of warfare. These aircraft are built to be stealthier, fly farther, and operate in sync with drones on the battlefield.
Image by U.S Air Force
They’re not just aircraft—they’re airborne command centers.
According to John Hoehn, a defense policy expert at RAND, there’s no official definition yet, but these jets go beyond the capabilities of the F-35 or F-22. They’re packed with next-gen sensors, longer-range engines, and cutting-edge electronics.
“The first jet that spots the enemy usually wins,” Hoehn explained. That’s why detecting stealth threats and staying hidden have become more important than outright speed.
To achieve this, sixth-gen jets use advanced aerodynamic shapes, special coatings, and electronic systems that make them difficult to track by radar, infrared, or other sensors. Their new engines deliver extended range and generate extra power for high-tech systems.
These jets will detect enemies from greater distances, even those using stealth. But one of the most important changes is collaboration—they won’t fight alone.
They’ll operate alongside unmanned drones, often called “loyal wingmen,” which can perform tasks like scouting, jamming radars, or even firing weapons.
Artificial intelligence (AI) will be key—not just for flying, but for mission planning, target selection, and threat avoidance. The pilot will act more as a mission commander, coordinating operations across air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace.
This evolution is essential as modern air defenses have become significantly more effective.
“The move to sixth-generation aircraft reflects the fact that fifth-generation jets are now vulnerable, and nations need platforms that can engage threats from greater distances,” Hoehn added.
Multiple countries are now involved: the United States and China each have two active programs. Europe is developing the FCAS project, while the UK, Italy, and Japan are working together on GCAP. Russia is also believed to be in development.
US F-47 NGAD: Stealth++, Speed, and Smart Teamwork
The US Air Force’s next-generation fighter is the F-47, developed under the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. According to General David Allvin, Chief of the Air Force, this aircraft is described as “Stealth++“—a major step forward from current stealth technology.
The F-47 is designed to fly at speeds exceeding Mach 2 and will have a combat radius of 1,000 nautical miles (about 1,150 miles). That’s 50% farther than the F-35 and 70% more than the F-22.
This extended range allows it to reach deep into enemy territory without needing to refuel, giving it a major tactical advantage. It is expected to enter service before 2030.
One of its key features is manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T)—working side by side with drones to complete missions more effectively.
The F-47 will be equipped with a powerful mix of sensors, electronic warfare systems, and both air-to-air and air-to-groundweapons. While its payload capacity remains classified, the design is engineered to create “unique dilemmas for adversaries,” according to Allvin.
“It’s not just a jet—it’s a system built to out-think and out-fight any threat.”
China’s J-36: Airspace Denial and Long-Range Strike Power
China’s sixth-generation fighter, unofficially named the J-36, is a strategic answer to US air dominance, especially in the Pacific region. According to open sources, the J-36 measures around 75 feet in length and weighs between 99,000 and 119,000 pounds—much larger than the fifth-generation J-20.
It is expected to use a three-engine configuration, providing greater range and increased onboard power.
The estimated combat radius is 1,500 nautical miles (around 1,725 miles), allowing deep-strike missions across the western Pacific.
Chinese military reports say the J-36 is designed for airspace denial, particularly to hold off US fighters and bombers like the B-21 Raider for up to two hours. It would accomplish this by operating at standoff ranges, suppressing enemy air defenses, and targeting incoming strike aircraft before they reach their objectives.
The aircraft is expected to carry a large internal weapons load, possibly exceeding 10,000 pounds, including long-range missiles and electronic attack systems.
Its twin-seat side-by-side cockpit supports real-time drone control, enabling it to manage loyal wingman drones during missions.
The J-36 is also equipped with advanced radars, high-performance computing, and full-spectrum stealth, designed to avoid detection by radar, infrared sensors, and electronic surveillance. Chinese sources estimate it could enter service by 2030, if not earlier.
Europe’s GCAP Tempest: Range, Payload, and Smart Warfare
The GCAP Tempest, Europe’s upcoming sixth-generation fighter, is a joint effort by the UK, Italy, and Japan. It’s designed to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon by around 2035.
The Tempest is expected to fly farther, carry more weapons, and act smarter than any current European jet. According to Group Captain Bill of the UK Royal Air Force, the aircraft could cross the Atlantic on internal fuel alone—a first for a British fighter—suggesting a range well over 1,000 nautical miles.
He also mentioned that Tempest will carry twice the internal payload of an F-35A—around 10,000 pounds total—including air-to-air missiles, precision bombs, and cutting-edge electronic warfare systems.
Tempest will heavily rely on artificial intelligence to enable faster decisions in combat, and will be able to instantly share data with other aircraft and units. It’s built to operate within a broader “system of systems,” working seamlessly with satellites, drones, and ground forces to control and respond across multiple battle domains.
Why This Matters: More Than Just New Jets
Air superiority has always been crucial in warfare. The side that controls the sky can protect its troops, strike first, and gather intelligence faster. A true sixth-generation fighter gives a nation a serious edge across all of these areas.
Image By BAE Systems
But this new generation of aircraft isn’t just about speed or stealth—it’s about dominating the entire battlespace. These jets are built for a new kind of war, one that links air, space, cyber, land, and sea into a single, connected network.
They act as flying command centers, pulling in data from satellites, drones, sensors, and ground units, then sharing it in real time to enable faster, smarter decisions.
However, this leap forward raises serious questions:
Who decides when a weapon is fired—the pilot or the AI?
Can machines be trusted with life-or-death decisions?
Could an enemy fool the AI into making the wrong call?
These aren’t just technical challenges—they’re also ethical and legal dilemmas. Despite advances in automation, most countries still insist on keeping a human pilot in the loop.
As RAND’s John Hoehn puts it:
“Nations still see value in having a relatively large, manned aircraft to perform air superiority missions.”
That reflects just how complex and critical modern air combat still is. Even as AI enhances these jets, it’s clear that human pilots remain in charge. These fighters are a symbol of human-machine collaboration at its most advanced.
But this technology comes at a cost—hundreds of billions of dollars, wrapped in secrecy. That secrecy can make it harder for the public, or even allies, to understand what’s being developed. And that increases the risk of misunderstandings or accidental conflict.
In the end, sixth-generation fighters—whether it’s the US F-47, China’s J-36, or Europe’s Tempest—aren’t just aircraft. They’re at the core of how future wars will be fought. They’ll fly farther, strike harder, and see more than anything in the sky today.
But they also represent a shift in how nations project power—and that has global consequences.
The technology is stunning, but what matters even more is how it’s used.
