Originating from the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency’s (DARPA) Air Dominance Initiative research in 2014, NGAD stems from the Air Superiority 2030 Flight Plan developed by the USAF in 2016. This new initiative will in the end substitute fifth-generation plane, just like the now-aging Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor. NGAD will embrace a household of techniques, together with weapons just like the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missle.

On May 18, 2023, the Air Force additionally introduced that it might settle for proposals for the most recent fighter jets, hoping to usher within the sixth technology of navy plane. According to officers, contracts to develop the most recent cutting-edge plane are deliberate to happen in 2024, with the F-22 being phased out in 2030.

The NGAD program is estimated to price round $16 billion for analysis & growth, and testing and can run via 2028. In 2023, this system price an estimated $1.7 billion for American taxpayers. For now, sure specifics in regards to the NGAD Platform stay formally categorised to guard operational and technological benefits.