6th generation fighter jets: What we know so far
August 3, 2025
At least half a dozen sixth-generation fighter jets are now in development across the globe, with leading aerospace powers racing to field the first aircraft by the late 2020s or early 2030s.
What is a 6th-generation fighter jet?
Strictly speaking, there is no universally agreed-upon definition of a 6th-generation fighter jet. The term remains more of a marketing shorthand and conceptual category than a rigid classification. It is used by manufacturers and governments to signal future capability leaps beyond today’s stealth aircraft.
The idea of defining fighters in “generations” was first proposed by airpower historian Richard P. Hallion in 1990. He identified six evolutionary stages, although consensus has since settled on five generations, with the sixth now emerging.
Key attributes expected of 6th-generation fighters
The best fighter jets in the world today are 5th-generation platforms. These aircraft are designed with low-observability, highly integrated computer systems, superb battlespace awareness and more. The F-22, F-35, J-20, J-35, and Su-57 are generally agreed to belong to this class, and the 6th generation will build on this.
Most 6th-gen fighter programs are converging on a set of shared attributes:
- Manned-unmanned teaming: Ability to operate alongside and control advanced drones (so-called loyal wingmen)
- System-of-systems integration: Acting as a command node in a wider digital combat network
- Extensive use of artificial intelligence: For sensor fusion, decision support, and electronic warfare
Advanced stealth: Including broadband low observability and tailless designs
Increased range and endurance: Enabled by new airframe designs and propulsion technologies
Directed energy weapons: Lasers for missile defence or electronic attack
Cyber-resilience and electronic dominance: To survive in contested electromagnetic environments
Because of this complexity, 6th-generation fighter programs are extremely expensive and technologically demanding. Only the US and China appear capable of pursuing such programs independently. Other nations are forming partnerships to share costs, technologies, and industrial benefits.
Which countries are developing 6th-generation fighter jets?
Several nations are publicly working on or collaborating in efforts to develop 6th-generation fighter jets. Much of the information around such projects is classified, but here’s what we know so far.
United States
The US is leading in the push for next-level technologies, with two 6th-gen fighters on the way.
- F-47 (USAF NGAD): The U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance program flew its first demonstrator in 2020. In 2025, Boeing won the contract to build the production aircraft, reportedly designated F-47. Entry into service is projected by the late 2020s.
F/A-XX (US Navy NGAD): The Navy’s separate program aims to replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. However, development has been slower, partly due to prioritisation of the F-47.
As well as the two fighter jets, the US is developing a 6th-generation bomber in the B-21 Raider. The aircraft has been flying since 2023, and Northrop Grumman is currently building two full production standard demonstrators, arriving with the Air Force in 2026 and capable of being rapidly converted for operational use.
China
China is the only other nation with a visible 6th-generation prototype in flight:
- J-36 (unofficial name): In late 2024, a large, tailless, likely three-engine stealth fighter was publicly seen flying. Although the aircraft’s official name is unknown, observers have dubbed it the J-36. The prototype suggests a heavy, long-range, possibly 6th-gen fighter with design similarities to American NGAD concepts.
J-50: A smaller stealth fighter, seen flying around the same time, possibly fits into 5th-gen+ or 6th-gen classification. China’s secrecy makes its specifics uncertain.
🇨🇳
— الصين بالعربية (@mog_china) August 1, 2025
🔴خاضت المقاتلة الصينية من الجيل السادس J-50 تجربة طيران جديدة.
نحن بحاجة لهذه المقاتلة وJ-36 أن تكونا جاهزتين في أقرب وقت ممكن.
هناك تحركات جادة جارية. pic.twitter.com/IbBdL3DmCi
China’s ability to iterate quickly, coupled with its growing aerospace industry, suggests it could field operational 6th-gen fighters by the early 2030s.
United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy (GCAP / Tempest)
The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is a collaborative 6th-generation project uniting the UK (led by BAE Systems), Japan (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries), and Italy (Leonardo).
The aircraft, dubbed Tempest, is planned to fly in prototype form by 2027, with service entry targeted for 2035. The programme is highly export-focused and is leveraging industrial synergies and shared digital design tools. As of 2025, the airframe for the first demonstrator is under construction.
France, Germany, Spain, and Belgium (FCAS)
The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) is a rival European 6th-gen project led by France (Dassault), Germany (Airbus), and Spain (Indra), with Belgium recently joining as an observer.
FCAS aims to develop a manned fighter alongside drones, a combat cloud, and new sensors. Recent tensions around workshare and ownership have delayed progress, but a demonstrator flight is expected before the end of the decade. However, operational entry is unlikely before 2040.
South Korea (KF-21 Boramae)
South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae, developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) with Indonesian involvement, is a highly advanced multirole fighter — but not a 6th-generation jet in its current form. However, KAI and the Republic of Korea Air Force have long-term ambitions to evolve the KF-21 platform into a next-generation aircraft.
The KF-21 first flew in July 2022 and is expected to enter service in the second half of the 2020s. It is generally categorised as a 4.5 to 5th-generation fighter, with planned upgrades to introduce greater stealth and systems integration over time.
Russia
Russia’s claimed 6th-generation project is the PAK DP, reportedly also known as the MiG-41. However, Public details are vague and contradictory.
Rostec said in 2021 that development had begun, and that the aircraft would be based on the MiG-31 Foxhound. But no prototypes have been seen, and the project is likely unfunded or aspirational. Sanctions, industrial constraints, and the war in Ukraine severely limit Russia’s ability to pursue such advanced projects alone.
Aside from the countries mentioned, no other nations are known to be working on a 6th-generation platform. Turkey has said that the TF-KAAN fighter jet, which first flew this year, will have 6th-generation technologies integrated. However, even with new tech, it’s still very much a 5th-generation platform.
When will 6th-gen fighter jets enter service?
It is generally believed that the US Air Force’s F-47 will be the first 6th-generation fighter to enter service. The type has been flying since 2020, and the US DoD is prioritising its rapid development. The type is expected to enter service in the late 2020s, possibly in 2029, although it is possible it will not enter service until 2030.
📸 A head-on look at China’s sixth-generation stealth fighter, the J-36. pic.twitter.com/NhF45lKJIW
— Clash Report (@clashreport) June 6, 2025
But that’s not counting on the mysterious Chinese J-36. Although the prototype was first spotted in 2024, the project has been progressing behind closed doors and could be further along than thought. Nevertheless, the best estimates put entry into service at 2030 or later.
BREAKING:🇨🇳 China’s 6th-generation fighter jet, the J-36, is now undergoing secretive testing followed by J-20.
— Defense Intelligence (@DI313_) August 1, 2025
This isn't just an upgrade — it's a stealth monster with extreme low radar visibility and AI-powered warfare systems.
With rumored speeds beyond Mach 2.5, it's built… pic.twitter.com/rmUtHd6MA2
It’s unclear if China has other 6th-gen-like aircraft in the works. The smaller Shenyang J-50, also seen flying for the first time late 2024, is another advanced stealth aircraft, but it is unclear if it would fit 6-gen criteria.
Following along are the Tempest/GCAP and the US Navy F/A-XX. The airframe for the first prototype Tempest aircraft is currently under construction, and the stated goal is for the type to enter service in 2035.
This is a similar timeline for the F/A-XX, which is also expected in the mid-2030s. Although funding was set to be moderated in the latest defence budget, the Senate has moved to block the retreat from the project with an additional $1.4 billion.
The Franco-German FCAS remains mired in disagreements. Assuming the project remains funded, it is not expected to enter service until 2040 or even sometime into the 2040s.
