US reevaluates F-22 jet replacement amid cost concerns
F-22A Raptor Demonstration Team aircraft maintainers prepare to launch out Maj. Paul "Max" Moga, the first F-22A Raptor demonstration team pilot, July 13. (Photo via U.S. Air Force)
The U.S. Air Force is taking a closer look at its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) platform plans, a future family of fighters and drones, before deciding on its continuation, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall announced Saturday.
Scrutiny over rising costs
The cost of the future F-22 replacement, exceeding $300 million per unit, has drawn attention to being three times the cost of an F-35. Secretary Kendall emphasized that evolving threats, particularly from China, necessitate a thorough review of the project.
“Before we commit that we are close to making, we want to make sure we have got the right design concept,” Kendall stated at Britain’s Royal International Air Tattoo, the world’s largest military air show.
Incorporating drones, collaborative combat aircraft
The concept of utilizing drones or Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) remains integral to the proposed NGAD initiatives. Kendall noted that NGAD was initially conceived without considering the current severe threats, the introduction of CCAs, and the affordability issues now faced.
“We are going to take a hard look at NGAD before moving forward, but the family of systems which includes a crewed platform and CCAs and weapon systems and communications … is still very much the concept that we are pursuing,” he added.
The U.S. Air Force is currently facing significant expenses, including the renewal of its land-based nuclear deterrent and the development of the B-21 bomber. Kendall emphasized the need to ensure the NGAD project is on the right path before committing to the 2026 budget.
Analysts at the air show indicated that the review reflects the Air Force’s desire to reassess whether the NGAD is still suitably adapted to counteract China’s evolving military threats as the project timeline extends into the 2030s.
Global implications, competitions
The review has also attracted attention in Europe, where Britain’s crewed-uncrewed Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) project, in collaboration with Japan and Italy, may undergo scrutiny in an upcoming U.K. defense review.
Meanwhile, France, Germany and Spain are ‘slowly’ progressing with the Future Combat Air System (FCAS, French: Système de battle aérien du futur, SCAF) FCAS/SCAF project. Partners in GCAP are expected to provide an update at the Farnborough International Airshow on Monday.
