Will the Pentagon’s 6th-Gen Stealth Fighter replace F-22? Or fly with it for decades?

By Maya Carlin

While the U.S. Air Force has openly discussed its new Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program for years, the competition to field the stealth fighter’s design has officially commenced.

According to the service, the winning designer of America’s next-generation airframe will be announced as early as next year.

“The Department of the Air Force released a classified solicitation to industry for an Engineering and Manufacturing Development contract for the Next Generation Air Dominance Platform with the intent to award a contract in 2024,” the release says, noting that “This solicitation release formally begins the source selection process providing industry with the requirements the DAF expects for NGAD, as the future replacement of the F-22”

What about the Raptors?

The Lockheed Martin-designed F-22 Raptor represented the world’s first fifth-generation fighter when it took to the skies more than four decades ago. The formidable fighter, known for its tiny cross radar-section that makes it extremely challenging for enemy jets to detect, may be relegated to retirement pretty soon.

In 2022, the U.S. House and Senate Armed Services committee urged the Air Force to upgrade its aging Raptor fighters instead of nixing them altogether. The service, however, hopes to use the $500 million necessary to properly maintain the remaining 32 Block 20 F-22s on its NGAD program instead.

Video Above: 6th-gen Aircraft