US Air Force Launches Competition for Next-Gen Fighter Contract
The US Air Force has begun soliciting proposals for its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter, which will replace the F-22, with the intent to award a contract in 2024. The NGAD Platform is a vital element of the Air Dominance family of systems, which represents a generational leap in technology over the F-22. The NGAD acquisition strategy will invigorate and broaden the industrial base to deliver rapid and innovative warfighting capabilities. The U.S. Air Force should procure 200 NGAD fighters along with 1,000 CCA, autonomous drones that will cooperate in the “loyal wingman” role with the sixth-generation combat aircraft within a “system of systems” that see the fighters cooperating and interconnected with other assets.