CEO Jim Taiclet says the company partnered with Nvidia to power its AI-driven national security missions
A top U.S. defense contractor pulled back the curtain on next-generation AI-powered systems designed to hunt down and destroy swarms of enemy drones as the U.S. rapidly expands its next-generation warfighting capabilities.
“We are inserting technology of all types into our systems,” Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet told FOX Business on Thursday, detailing the company’s AI-powered counter-drone system, Sanctum.
Taiclet said the system uses artificial intelligence to detect incoming drones, determine whether they pose a threat and predict where they are headed before they can be intercepted or disabled.
Jim Taiclet, chairman and chief executive officer of Lockheed Martin Corp., speaks during a visit from then-President Joe Biden, not pictured, at the company’s facility in Troy, Ala. on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. (Andi Rice/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
“This technology alone is fantastic in being able to essentially hit a bullet with a bullet in space and destroy an incoming ballistic missile that’s threatening our people, threatening our bases, threatening our allies,” he said.
“But along with that, we’ve got to match — with technology — other threats, and we want to match the threat to the cost of our counterthreat.”
The company is also focusing on a device called MORFIUS, a system capable of flying close to small enemy drones and “zapping” them with high-powered microwave pulses before moving on to the next target.
“This drone that we’re building with the help of AI will enable us to attack 50 different drones with one mission without firing any weaponry,” he shared.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company facility in Fort Worth, TX, USA. (iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus / Getty Images)
Taiclet also spoke about the company’s investment in an internal AI center in 2020 and credited a pipeline partnership with chipmaker Nvidia, which supplies the graphics processing units, or GPUs, used to support such national security missions.
He also described how Lockheed is repurposing existing battlefield weaponry to create cheaper, more scalable defenses against drone attacks.
More specifically, the company has modified Hellfire missiles — traditionally used as air-to-ground weapons on Apache helicopters — into lower-cost ground-to-air interceptors capable of taking down enemy drones.
Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to discuss the U.S. winning the AI race, the role of their technology for national security, the economic impact from the AI build out and more.
“We’re actually showing that we can do that as well,” he said.
“We basically have a four-pack of these Hellfire missiles. We’ve reconfigured them with new technology. We connect it with the Sanctum AI, and we can now use that type of missile to destroy these incoming cheap drones.” he added.
“That’s some ways we’re using technology and Nvidia has been a great partner for us in this.”
As NATO foreign ministers gather in Sweden, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has made it clear Berlin is ready to take on a greater leadership role in the alliance.
Germany plans to strengthen its military capabilities as quickly as possible
What you need to know about Germany and NATO
Germany is pushing for a stronger leadership role in NATO
There are divisions over the level of aid from member states to Ukraine
Global security issues, such as the Iran war, have increased tension within the military alliance
Ahead of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in the Swedish port city of Helsingborg on Thursday, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stressed Berlin’s readiness to assume greater leadership responsibility in NATO.
“Our goal is a new burden-sharing arrangement that reflects Germany’s and Europe’s economic and military potential,” he said in Berlin before departing for Sweden, adding that “Germany is accepting its leadership responsibility.”
“We want a stronger NATO with a greater role for Europe,” Wadephul said. “To achieve this, we want to pool the capabilities of our industries through more intensive defense cooperation.”
The minister added that Germany wants to reach NATO’s 5% spending target and strengthen its defense capabilities as quickly as possible.
At the 2025 NATO summit, the alliance agreed that member states should invest at least 3.5% of their gross domestic product in defense spending in the future. An additional 1.5% is to be allocated to defense-related spending, such as infrastructure, bringing the total target to 5% annually by 2035.
This is the first meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Sweden since the country joined the alliance just over two years ago
Rutte: Many members ‘not spending enough’ to support Ukraine
Wadephul also announced that he intends to make “concrete proposals” on “how we can continue to strongly support Ukraine in defending freedom in Europe.” This includes ways in which NATO can benefit from the Ukrainian defense industry’s impressive achievements, according to the German minister.
Meanwhile, Mark Rutte, the chief of the military alliance, said many NATO members are not contributing enough money to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Rutte told reporters in Helsingborg ahead of the NATO ministers’ meeting that aid to Ukraine “is not evenly distributed now within NATO.”
“There is a limited amount of countries, including Sweden which is really punching above its weight when it comes to the support for Ukraine, and other countries like Canada and Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway and also a couple of others,” he said.
“But there are also many not spending enough when it comes to the support for Ukraine,” he added.
Rubio criticizes NATO’s refusal to help on Iran
In addition to bolstering Europe’s defenses, the ministers are also set to discuss the war in Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz during their meeting in Helsingborg.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected in Sweden on Friday. As he headed to the summit, Rubio renewed his criticism of NATO for not supporting the US war on Iran.
President Donald Trump is “not asking them to send their fighter jets in. But they refuse to do anything,” Rubio told reporters. “We were very upset about that.”
The F-47 is the United States Air Force’s sixth-generation fighter jet, developed by Boeing under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programme. Announced by President Trump on 21 March 2025, the F-47 Boeing contract is valued at approximately $20 billion and is designed to replace the F-22 Raptor — with a first flight planned for 2028 and operational service in the early 2030s.
What Is the F-47 NGAD Fighter?
The F-47 is the crewed centrepiece of the broader Next Generation Air Dominance initiative — a programme built to ensure U.S. air superiority against China and Russia in the decades ahead. Beyond the sixth generation fighter jet itself, NGAD covers autonomous drone wingmen, advanced adaptive engines, AI battle management, and electronic warfare systems.
Boeing beat out Lockheed Martin — maker of the F-22 and F-35 — to win the contract. Manufacturing of the first airframe is already underway in St. Louis. By April 2026, the Trump Administration had requested more than $5 billion in R&D funding for FY2027, bringing cumulative programme spending to nearly $8.5 billion.
F-47 vs F-22: Why a Replacement Was Inevitable
The F-22 Raptor remains the world’s best air superiority fighter in service — but it was designed for a different era.
F-47
F-22 Raptor
Generation
6th
5th
Max Speed
Mach 2+
Mach 2.25
Combat Radius
>1,000 nm
~590 nm
Engines
2× adaptive-cycle (NGAP)
2× F119
First Flight
2028 (planned)
1997
Entry to Service
Early 2030s
2005
In an F-47 vs F-22 comparison, the gap that matters most is range. The F-22’s ~590 nautical mile combat radius is insufficient for offensive operations across the Pacific without tanker support. The F-47 more than doubles that. It also integrates real-time datalink and autonomous drone command — capabilities the F-22 was never built for.
China’s apparent sixth-generation J-36 prototype, flown publicly in late 2024, made the urgency impossible to ignore.
Engine: Pratt & Whitney XA103 vs GE XA102
The F-47 will be powered by a Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) engine — but the winner hasn’t been chosen yet. Both Pratt & Whitney (XA103) and GE Aerospace (XA102) completed their Assembly Readiness Reviews in May 2026, clearing both to begin assembling physical prototypes. A down-select is expected in the early 2030s.
Unlike conventional turbofans, adaptive-cycle engines shift their internal configuration in flight — high-thrust for Mach 2+ combat, fuel-efficient cruise for 1,000+ nm transit. For the F-47 NGAD mission profile, that flexibility is not optional.
Collaborative Combat Aircraft: The F-47’s Drone Wingmen
The Air Force plans to acquire more than 1,000 Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) — roughly two per F-47. These semi-autonomous drones fly ahead into contested airspace to suppress air defences, gather intelligence, and strike targets, all directed from the F-47’s cockpit.
The F-47 Boeing design functions as the “quarterback” of this system. It is not just a fighter — it is the command node of an entire autonomous fleet.
Programme Timeline
Date
Milestone
March 2025
Trump announces F-47 NGAD contract to Boeing (~$20B)
September 2025
First airframe in production in St. Louis
November 2025
Boeing confirms 2028 first flight target
May 2026
XA103 and XA102 engines clear Assembly Readiness Reviews
2028
First flight planned
Early 2030s
Operational service begins
Mid-2030s
Progressive F-22 replacement
Sources: U.S. Air Force, Air & Space Forces Magazine, The War Zone, 19FortyFive, The Aviationist, Mitchell Institute.
In the world of tactical medicine, every second matters. The difference between life and death often depends on how quickly medical teams can assess, stabilize, and communicate critical patient data under extreme conditions.
That is exactly where the Tempus Pro was designed to operate.
Through PartYard Defense in partnership with Palex Portugal, this advanced medical ecosystem is being delivered to defense and tactical operators with a mission-ready concept best described as an “ambulance in a box.”
A Complete Tactical Medical Solution
The Philips Tempus Pro and Tempus LS-Manual Defibrillator form a modular field medical system engineered for deployment in the most demanding operational environments.
The Tempus Pro monitor weighs just 2.9 kg and is shoulder-carried for rapid mobility in the field. Combined with the MOLLE-compatible Tempus LS Defibrillator, the system delivers hospital-grade diagnostic capability directly at the point of injury.
Built for harsh operational conditions, the platform includes:
IP66-rated rugged protection
6.5-inch daylight-readable display
Night vision compatibility
Videolaryngoscopy integration
Ultrasound capability
Masimo® monitoring parameters
Real-time telemedicine support through Starlink and IntelliSpace Corsium connectivity
The result is a highly interoperable medical platform capable of transmitting vital signs, voice, and live video directly from the field to remote medical teams and command structures.
From the Battlefield to Space Exploration
The robustness and versatility of the Tempus Pro have also attracted the attention of NASA.
As part of the agency’s exploration medicine initiatives, the system has been tested in space-related environments to validate its telemedicine capabilities during scenarios involving extreme isolation and limited medical infrastructure, conditions remarkably similar to those faced during tactical deployments and deep-space missions.
Today, Jared Isaacman, the 15th Administrator of NASA and commander of the Inspiration4 mission, leads the agency as it continues to explore advanced medical technologies capable of supporting future human exploration missions beyond Earth orbit.
His experience leading the first commercial spacewalk during the Polaris Dawn mission further highlights the growing convergence between aerospace innovation and advanced emergency medicine.
Trusted in Active Combat Operations
Military forces across multiple countries are actively adopting the Tempus Pro system for deployment in active combat theaters and tactical response operations.
Its lightweight architecture, modularity, and real-time communications capabilities make it an essential asset for modern tactical medical teams operating far beyond conventional healthcare infrastructure.
Whether supporting frontline combat medics, special operations units, humanitarian missions, or remote expeditionary teams, the Tempus ecosystem enables advanced emergency medicine wherever the mission demands.
Delivering Advanced Tactical Medicine
At PartYard Defense, we continue to position ourselves at the forefront of advanced defense and tactical medical solutions, supporting armed forces and allied partners with technologies designed for the realities of modern operations.
From the battlefield to orbit, the Tempus Pro is proving that the future of emergency medicine is portable, connected, and mission-ready.
OSHKOSH Defense is a global reference in tactical vehicles, delivering platforms engineered for extreme conditions, operational flexibility and long-term reliability. From high mobility tactical vehicles to heavy transport and mission-specific configurations, OSHKOSH solutions are designed to perform when reliability and resilience are critical.
Keeping these platforms operational requires more than robust engineering. It requires immediate response, technical expertise and a partner capable of supporting equipment whenever and wherever it is needed.
That is where PartYard comes in.
PartYard provides comprehensive support for OSHKOSH equipment, ensuring fleet availability through rapid supply solutions, repair support and tailored procurement services. We work closely with operational teams to reduce downtime, address urgent requirements and maintain readiness under demanding conditions.
Our capabilities are built on proven experience. PartYard has previously supported OSHKOSH platforms in real operational scenarios, delivering effective support, technical assistance and supply solutions aligned with mission requirements.
With a global reach and a readiness driven approach, PartYard is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, supporting OSHKOSH equipment whenever operational demands arise.
PartYard provides supply, repairs, and technical services for Oshkosh Defense products currently in operation across defense environments.
This activity is part of our regular scope of work and reflects our capability to support well established military platforms that demand reliability, accuracy, and fast response.
Supply and Procurement
We supply genuine Oshkosh Defense parts and equipment, ensuring correct specifications, full compatibility, and proper documentation. Our procurement process is designed to support operational continuity, helping customers keep assets available and mission ready.
Repairs and Technical Services
PartYard Defense also delivers repairs, maintenance, and technical support for Oshkosh Defense products. From diagnostics to corrective actions, our teams focus on restoring functionality and reducing equipment downtime.
All services are carried out with attention to operational requirements and real world deployment conditions.
Operational Support
Supporting Oshkosh platforms requires technical expertise and an understanding of defense logistics and operational constraints. PartYard Defense applies this experience to deliver practical and efficient support aligned with customer needs.
Reliable Capability
The continued supply and servicing of Oshkosh Defense equipment demonstrates PartYard Defense’s ability to support critical defense assets throughout their operational life.
For further information about our defense support capabilities, please contact the PartYard Defense team.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, announced on Wednesday the signing of a $43 million contract with the U.S. Army to begin the process of modernizing the UH-60 Black Hawk® helicopter, one of the most iconic and versatile aircraft in the American armed forces.
The initial investment will fund structural improvements to the airframe, the development of a digital backbone, and the implementation of advanced model-based systems engineering (MBSE) methods, which will serve as the foundation for future rapid upgrades to the platform.
Integration with Unmanned Systems
One of the Army’s top priorities is the integration of “launched effects” into the Black Hawk, enabling the aircraft to deploy unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and other support assets. This capability will extend mission reach and strengthen interoperability in combat scenarios, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, a region deemed strategically vital.
Digital Technology and Open Architecture
The modernization effort follows the MOSA (Modular Open System Approach) concept, which facilitates the rapid insertion of new capabilities as well as the integration of advanced software, future autonomy, and artificial intelligence features to assist pilots in complex missions.
Planned upgrades include a more powerful engine, reinforced airframe, and expanded fuel capacity, allowing for heavier payloads over greater distances. In the near term, modernized exhaust kits already in production will provide immediate benefits such as infrared suppression, weight reduction, and improved reliability.
Long-Term Commitment
Sikorsky emphasized that the Black Hawk modernization is supported by a network of hundreds of U.S. suppliers and will ensure the helicopter remains a cornerstone of U.S. Army aviation for decades to come.
Military helicopters, such as the Apache, offer exceptional maneuverability—from rapid low-altitude flight to hovering in place. But this versatility also exposes them to serious risks, especially from overhead wires. Striking cables during low-altitude flight, particularly in poor visibility, can result in catastrophic damage. To mitigate this threat, Apache helicopters are equipped with a Wire Strike Protection System—or WSPS—designed to prevent fatal accidents.
This system, developed by Magellan Aerospace, features twin wire cutters strategically placed: one above and one below the cockpit windshield. Positioned between them is a Windshield Deflector, which helps guide any encountered wires into the cutters. This passive system doesn’t require pilot activation, making it a reliable safeguard during high-stress operations.
How the Wire Strike Protection System Works
The concept is straightforward but crucial. If a helicopter flies into a wire, the Windshield Deflector redirects the cable into one of the cutters, which then slices through it to prevent entanglement or rotor damage. While not effective from every angle or at extreme flight positions, the system is highly reliable during forward, level flight—a common operating mode for many missions.
Initially retrofitted on Black Hawk and Apache helicopters in the 1980s and 1990s, the WSPS became standard across all U.S. military helicopters by 1992, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
An Unobtrusive but Vital Safety Feature
By 2009, Magellan Aerospace reported over 20,000 WSPS units sold. Its popularity stems from its simplicity: the system adds no operational burden to pilots, requires no complex inputs, and is compatible with various helicopter models, including civilian ones.
In environments where a single unseen wire can lead to disaster, the Wire Strike Protection System provides a simple, cost-effective, and potentially life-saving layer of defense—ensuring helicopters like the Apache remain protected while executing critical missions.
A new arms race is taking shape—one not focused on traditional nuclear arsenals or territorial expansion, but in the evolving realms of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and space-based defense. As threats escalate—from hypersonic missiles to satellite warfare—the United States is spearheading what may become one of the most ambitious defense upgrades in recent history: a next-generation missile shield nicknamed the “Golden Dome.”
This cutting-edge infrastructure, built to detect and intercept threats in real-time, is being developed through a powerful coalition of public and private sector players. At the forefront are SpaceX, Anduril Industries, and Palantir Technologies. While Palantir is a publicly traded company, both Anduril and SpaceX remain privately held, making them inaccessible to most retail investors—a growing challenge as more defense innovation occurs outside public markets.
Closing the Gap Between Private Defense Innovation and Public Investment
Historically, retail investors have been locked out of the explosive growth phase of private tech-defense firms. But that may be changing. New investment vehicles, such as the XOVR ETF—managed by ERShares—offer exposure to both public and select private companies, including SpaceX and now Anduril. While access is still limited, this model represents a new pathway for investors looking to support and benefit from early-stage innovation in national security.
The $175 Billion Golden Dome: A New Era of Missile Defense
Unlike older systems that rely on ground-based radars and stationary interceptors, the Golden Dome is designed for mobility, scale, and rapid response. It aims to deploy hundreds of low-Earth orbit satellites, guided by AI-driven platforms, to create a defense grid capable of neutralizing airborne threats within seconds.
Estimates place the cost of this program at over $175 billion, reflecting the Pentagon’s urgency in shifting from concept to deployment—faster than almost any other modern military initiative.
Anduril: The Next-Gen Defense Contractor
Anduril Industries, founded by Palmer Luckey (creator of Oculus VR), represents the new generation of defense contractors. With its Lattice OS, Anduril integrates sensor data across drones, towers, and autonomous vehicles—processing information in real time to support mission-critical decisions.
Notably, Anduril is part of a growing “Palantir diaspora”: a web of companies founded by former Palantir engineers, now driving innovation in aerospace, cybersecurity, and battlefield AI. The company plays a central role in both the TITAN program and the Golden Dome, especially in the areas of autonomous threat detection and edge computing.
Palantir: The Intelligence Backbone
Palantir Technologies (NYSE: PLTR) has become the software backbone of U.S. defense and intelligence. Its platforms—Gotham and Foundry—are embedded across military and intelligence operations, enabling predictive analytics and real-time battlefield coordination.
Palantir’s AI systems help power both TITAN and Golden Dome, offering the ability to predict threats before they occur. Since 2022, Palantir has delivered massive gains in the stock market, with a performance jump of over 1,950%, driven by confidence in its expanding role in both defense and enterprise AI.
SpaceX: Launching the Future of Defense
While known for revolutionizing spaceflight, SpaceX is now a critical component of the U.S. defense architecture. Its Starlink network and Falcon launch systems provide the ideal infrastructure for deploying the satellites that will form the Golden Dome’s orbital shield.
Beyond launches, SpaceX is also supplying secure communications, surveillance, and early-warning systems—further solidifying its position as a strategic defense asset. Though still private, SpaceX is reshaping both the commercial space sector and military space operations.
Public and Private Lines Are Blurring
The growing collaboration between public companies like Palantir and Nvidia, and private innovators like Anduril and SpaceX, reflects a major shift in how the U.S. approaches defense innovation. The traditional dominance of legacy contractors is giving way to a hybrid model, where tech startups and growth-stage firms play an increasingly central role.
For investors, this marks a turning point. With tools like the XOVR ETF, retail investors are finally gaining limited exposure to companies previously off-limits—paving the way for broader participation in the defense-tech revolution.
Innovation, Security, and Capital Markets Converge
The Golden Dome isn’t just a missile shield—it’s a symbol of how technology, national security, and capital markets are converging in a new era of geopolitical competition. As companies like Anduril, Palantir, and SpaceX define this next frontier, they are not only reshaping military capabilities but also redefining the path to investment in innovation.
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.
