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Nominee for Navy Secretary Hails Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD), Boasting Enhanced Reach and Capacity

Next-generation Navy combat aircraft, as per Secretary nominee John Phelan, will offer extended range and heavier payload compared to past models.

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Newly-nominated Secretary for the Navy reveals next-gen fighter will boast extended range and...
Newly-nominated Secretary for the Navy reveals next-gen fighter will boast extended range and heavier load compared to predecessors, Per Phelan.

Nominee for Navy Secretary Hails Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD), Boasting Enhanced Reach and Capacity

The U.S. Navy and Air Force are advancing their sixth-generation fighter programs, with each service intending to develop aircraft boasting superior range and payload compared to their predecessors. This was revealed during confirmations hearings for President Donald Trump's nominees for Secretary of the Navy, John Phelan, and Deputy Secretary of Defense, Stephen Feinberg.

John Phelan, in his prepared testimony for the Senate Armed Services Committee, discussed the cooperation between the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps on advanced aircraft. Specifically, he highlighted the Navy's F/A-XX fighter, which he claimed would provide "significant advancements in operational reach and capacity within contested environments." Phelan's written remarks also emphasized that the collaboration aimed to ensure interoperability through shared technologies such as autonomy, mission systems, and communication architectures.

Similar to the Navy's F/A-XX, the Air Force's Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program is developing a family of systems, with a focus on air dominance capabilities and advanced sensors and networking features. It is worth noting that both services are working together on their sixth-generation efforts, with an anticipated overlap in technology such as propulsion, sensors, and communication systems. However, these fighters will not be variants of the same airframe like the F-35.

The collaboration does not end with fighter jets. In his written testimony, Phelan also stressed the importance of collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) and air battle management systems (ABMS) in maximizing operational effectiveness and flexibility across the services. He suggested that a unified approach to technology development and operational requirements would enable the services to fully leverage next-generation unmanned systems, ultimately enhancing capabilities and long-range mission effectiveness.

Phelan's comments were made amidst ongoing discussions regarding both services' sixth-generation fighter programs. The Air Force has paused its NGAD efforts due to concerns about requirements and cost, while the Navy has reportedly withdrawn about $1 billion from its NGAD budget. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti indicated the service's commitment to move forward with the program, but she was later dismissed by President Trump.

During his confirmation hearing, Stephen Feinberg, the nominee for deputy secretary of defense, stated that a decision about the future of NGAD would likely be made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth or President Trump. Notably, Elon Musk, an advisor to President Trump, has publicly expressed his belief that autonomous air vehicles should replace crewed aircraft in future warfare.

In addition, Phelan's written testimony mentioned ongoing efforts by the Navy, Air Force, Joint Staff, and Combatant Commanders to define the requirements for joint air battle management in a high-end fight. This study, directed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense's Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation shop, would inform key decision-makers about potential investments needed in airborne command and control capabilities. The current platform for airborne battle management for nearly 40 years has been the Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye.

Amidst the ongoing discussions and developments, challenges related to funding, delays, and technological development loom large. Delays in the Navy's F/A-XX program could potentially leave the service vulnerable in future conflicts, particularly against adversaries like China. The ability to maintain and upgrade these complex systems will be crucial for long-term success.

  1. The U.S. Air Force's Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, like the Navy's F/A-XX, is focused on incorporating advanced sensors, networking features, and shared technologies such as autonomy, mission systems, and communication architectures.
  2. Phelan's comments came at a time when both the Navy and Air Force are grappling with funding, delays, and technological development issues in their sixth-generation fighter programs.
  3. Stephen Feinberg, the nominee for deputy secretary of defense, mentioned during his confirmation hearing that a decision about the future of the Air Force's NGAD program might be made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth or President Trump.
  4. Eldon Musk, an advisor to President Trump, has publicly expressed his view that autonomous air vehicles should replace crewed aircraft in future wars.
  5. The ongoing developments in air force, aviation, and defense technology, including drones, missiles, and satellite systems, are being closely monitored by the Pentagon, as their functionalities could significantly impact space warfare and long-range mission effectiveness.

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