#NGAD program

[rightnewshindi]

अमेरिका का छठी पीढ़ी का फाइटर जेट F-47 का ऐलान: भारत और फ्रांस की तैयारियों को चुनौती

Delhi News: जहां भारत अपने पांचवीं पीढ़ी के लड़ाकू विमान AMCA (एडवांस्ड मीडियम कॉम्बैट एयरक्राफ्ट) को विकसित करने में जुटा है, वहीं अमेरिका ने छठी पीढ़ी के फाइटर जेट F-47 की घोषणा कर दुनिया को चौंका दिया है। अमेरिकी राष्ट्रपति डोनाल्ड ट्रंप ने 21 मार्च 2025 को ओवल ऑफिस से इसकी आधिकारिक घोषणा की। इस कदम ने न केवल भारत और फ्रांस की योजनाओं को चुनौती दी है, बल्कि चीन के लिए भी एक सशक्त जवाब माना जा…

[finovatedaily]

Lockheed Martin Revamps F-35: NASCAR-Style Upgrades Promise 6th-Gen Capabilities

Lockheed Martin Revamps F-35: NASCAR-Style Upgrades Promise 6th-Gen Capabilities Lockheed Martin, the aerospace and defense giant, is steering its flagship fighter jet, the F-35 Lightning II, into a thrilling new direction. Following its loss to Boeing in the U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, Lockheed has unveiled ambitious plans to upgrade the F-35 with…

[usafphantom2]

U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth have awarded Boeing the $20 billion contact for the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Program, to fully develop and produce a sixth-generation replacement for the U.S. Air Force’s F-22 “Raptor” Stealth Fighter, beating out the other finalist defense manufacturer, Lockheed Martin.

@Osintdefender via X

[usafphantom2]

Lockheed Martin Will Integrate Next-Generation Infrared Defensive Sensors on F-22 Raptor

The F-22 will receive an embedded set of TacIRST sensors as part of the Infrared Defensive System to enhance aircraft survivability and lethality.

Stefano D'Urso

F-22 Infrared Defensive System

Lockheed Martin announced on Jan. 22, 2025, that it has been awarded a $270 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to integrate a system of next-generation infrared defensive sensors on the F-22 Raptor. The system, known as the Infrared Defensive System (IRDS), will add a distributed set of embedded TacIRST sensors to enhance the F-22’s survivability and lethality.

The F-22 will receive an embedded set of TacIRST sensors as part of the Infrared Defensive System to enhance aircraft survivability and lethality.TacIRSTF-22 upgrades

TacIRST

TacIRST, or Tactical Infrared Search and Track, is a next-generation sensor developed by Lockheed Martin which allows to detect and track airborne threats with weapon-quality accuracy, says the company. The multifunction sensor, which can be used for both reconnaissance and threat-warning, features a compact design with a very small form factor and is based on an open architecture.

“We understand the need for advanced and versatile infrared systems like IRDS that will make pilots’ missions more survivable and lethal against current and future adversaries,” said Hank Tucker, vice president of Missions Systems at Lockheed Martin. “We’re committed to supporting the Air Force through continuous innovation of capabilities to deter and defeat evolving threats.”

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor prepares to be refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 10, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Willis)

Compared to traditional IRST which features round windows, TacIRST is based on a smaller staring sensor much more similar to the windows of the F-35’s Distributed Aperture System. This makes it ideal for installation on the F-22 as the sensors will be flush with the surfaces of the aircraft, since the statement from Lockheed Martin mentions that the system will be embedded in the F-22 instead of pods.

In the past, there were unconfirmed reports about the technology behind TacIRST possibly being related to upgrades to the F-22’s current AN/AAR-56 Missile Launch Detector (MLD). Given the sensitivity of the F-22 program, the statement does not delve into details, so it is unclear if the IRDS will completely replace the AAR-56 or just its sensors.

F-22 upgrades

The F-22 is receiving a plethora of upgrades as part of an improvement campaign that calls for $7.8 billion in investments before 2030, which includes $3.1 billion for research and development and $4.7 billion in procurement. While the Air Force previously planned to retire the oldest Raptors, the service now appears to be reconsidering that plan and focusing on sustaining an air superiority combat capability for a highly contested environment.

Some of the upgrades expected for the F-22 Raptor were unveiled in the Fiscal Year 23 budget request documentation and in an official artwork shared by Gen. Mark Kelly, then Commander of Air Combat Command. In the artwork we can see three Raptors loaded with new stealthy external fuel tanks, two underwing faceted pods and a new unknown air-to-air missile, but there are even more novelties in the documents, which unveils a previously undisclosed relationship between the F-22 and the development of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD).

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor performs a sharp aerial maneuver above the flight line during the 2024 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Airshow in San Diego, Sept. 28, 2024. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Seferino Gamez)

Two years after the upgrades were announced, we might have gotten, earlier in 2024, the first glimpse of the new stealthy external fuel tanks being developed for the F-22 Raptor. The aircraft was, in fact, spotted near the Mojave Air and Space Port and shows the Raptor with two fuel tanks, whose shape is reminiscent of the one shown in 2022.

The new tanks are officially known as Low Drag Tank and Pylon (LDTP) and designed to be stealthier and more aerodynamically efficient than the current 600-gallon fuel tanks. In the FY2023 budget request, the Air Force mentioned that the F-22 LDTPs are advanced technological designs providing increased persistence and range while maintaining lethality and survivability, critical to future mission execution and to maintaining Air Superiority.

The low drag tanks are intended to reduce drag, facilitate supersonic flight with external tanks and extend the range of the F-22. The pylons are equipped with smart rack pneumatic technology to accurately control ejection performance and smooth wind swept surface for minimum drag without stores.

The two pods installed under the outer underwing hardpoints have already been spotted during flight testing on an F-22 at the Air Force’s Plant 42 facility in Palmdale, California, in February 2022. The latest budget documents mention an InfraRed Search and Track (IRST) sensor being developed for the F-22, which is now confirmed to be the sensor housed inside the two pods, although they could host also other capabilities in addition to the IRST.

In July 2024 we got an up-close look at one of the pods installed under a Rockwell Sabreliner 65 testbed after a test campaign at Nellis AFB, Nevada. It would have been expected to see some kind of transparent surface associated with the IRST, however the surfaces on the nose of the pod appeared to be opaque. We still cannot exclude that there are two different variants of the pod, depending on the equipment inside.

F-22 new sensors

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and Philippine Air Force FA-50PH light jet fighters conduct joint combined exchange training, above Basa Air Force Base, Philippines, on Aug. 9, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mitchell Corley)

The last upgrade featured in the artwork is a new unknown air-to-air missile. While there are a number of air-to-air missile programs in the works, it is possible that the one in the image could be a representative design, which may or may not correspond to the real deal, for the highly secretive AIM-260 missile. So far, the missile has never been depicted in any kind of image and details about the program are very scarce.

The development of the AIM-260, also called Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, was first unveiled in 2019 and has been in the works at least since 2017. The goal of the new long-range air-to-air missile is to replace the AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile) and counter the threat posed by the Chinese PL-15 missile, while avoiding any foreign threats being able to outrange the AIM-120.

Among the few known technical details, the new missile will be compatible with the AMRAAM dimensions, but obviously with greater range, and is planned to be carried in the F-22 weapons bay and on the F/A-18 at first, with the F-35 to follow. Flight tests are already in progress and the missile is expected to be fielded by next year. Because of these reasons, it would be reasonable to suppose that the one shown in the image could be at least a hint at the AIM-260.

Other upgrades mentioned in the budget request are a Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), Link 16 and Multifunction Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS), a new Operational Fight Program, advanced radar Electronic Protection, Embedded GPS/Inertial Navigation System (INS) Modernization (EGI-M), Open System Architecture (OSA), new encrypted radios.

A new helmet is also being tested by F-22 pilots, as part of the Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet program to replace the current HGU-55P helmet, which has been the standard issued helmet for the last 40 years. The goal is to provide pilots a more comfortable, stable, and balanced platform to accommodate helmet-mounted devices usage without imposing neck strain and discomfort to the user.

F-22 Indonesia

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, conduct Dynamic Force Employment operations at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Air Force Base, Indonesia, on Aug. 6, 2024. Through bilateral training, the U.S. and Indonesian Air Forces work together to promote interoperability, thus furthering our investments and strengthening our relationships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mitchell Corley)

Despite various integration efforts in the past, the F-22 is not equipped yet with a helmet that provides the essential flight and weapon aiming information through line of sight imagery: the shape of the Raptor’s canopy, optimized to preserve Low Observability, doesn’t allow enough range of motion and minimum visibility to a pilot wearing the JHMCS or the Scorpion.

In 2024, during the Life Cycle Industry Days conference, Brig. Gen. Jason D. Voorheis, Program Executive Officer for Fighters and Advanced Aircraft mentioned that the F-22 conducted six flight test efforts to demo advanced sensors. He also added that the service is planning for a rapid prototyping effort to get these sensors fielded quickly in the near future.

@TheAviationist.com

[jjmcquade-misc]

Boeing’s NGAD Victory

A High-Stakes Gamble Amid a Legacy of Risk

The U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program represents a bold step forward, aiming to deliver a sixth-generation stealth fighter jet, the F-47, to replace the aging F-22 Raptor. Valued at over $20 billion for its engineering and manufacturing development phase, this initiative is one of the military’s most advanced and strategically vital programs, with the potential to grow into hundreds of billions of dollars over decades if production orders follow.

In a surprising development, Boeing has secured this landmark contract, edging out Lockheed Martin, a company long regarded as the leader in fighter jet production with successes like the F-35 and F-22. This victory marks a pivotal moment for Boeing and the defense industry, promising significant profits and positioning Boeing as the lead contractor for a critical military project. However, this decision raises immediate concerns due to Boeing’s troubled recent history.

Over the past decade, Boeing’s reputation has taken a severe hit. The company’s commercial division faced a major crisis with the 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019, which claimed 346 lives and revealed deep flaws in design, oversight, and corporate culture. These incidents exposed weaknesses in Boeing’s quality control processes and eroded public and industry trust. Beyond its commercial struggles, Boeing faltered in its NASA missions, where delays and incompetence forced SpaceX to step in and cover critical gaps.

Boeing’s defense business has fared no better. The KC-46 Pegasus tanker program has been plagued by years of delays and billions in cost overruns, while the Air Force One replacement project has suffered from budget excesses and scheduling setbacks. These operational and financial difficulties culminated in a reported $5.5 billion loss for Boeing’s Defense & Space division in 2024, underscoring the company’s ongoing challenges.

Compounding these issues are questions about Boeing’s integrity. The company has faced scrutiny over the mysterious deaths of key witnesses, who passed away before legal proceedings that could have inflicted significant damage on Boeing. These incidents, shrouded in opacity, hint at possible corruption and cast further doubt on Boeing’s suitability for such a high-stakes contract.

In contrast, Lockheed Martin has built a strong legacy in fighter jet development. Despite challenges with the F-35, including cost overruns and technical hurdles, Lockheed has consistently delivered operational aircraft to the U.S. and its allies. Its proven track record with the F-35 and F-22 makes Boeing’s selection over Lockheed a striking departure from tradition, introducing a notable element of risk. Given Boeing’s history of safety scandals, cost overruns, and ethical concerns, I have serious doubts about the success of this project. The NGAD program’s complexity and importance demand a contractor with a reliable track record, yet Boeing’s past suggests this initiative could follow the same path of failure, with costs spiraling out of control. A safer choice might have been to award the contract to Lockheed Martin, paired with strict government oversight to manage long-term expenses and avoid repeating the F-35 program’s missteps. While Lockheed Martin offers a history of tangible achievements, Boeing appears entangled in systemic issues, including potential corruption and alleged ties to intelligence services, making this project a risky gamble.

[warsofasoiaf]

Will the F-35 replace older aircraft? I've heard that the Air Force isn't really pleased with the F-35 and they are starting or will start a program to find a replacement for the F-16.

And if the F-15 is to be replaced by the F-35, how come the Air Force is developing the F-15EX? How is the F-15EX different from the F-15E? Is it just radar and electronics or will it have other improvements over the F-15E?

The F-35 project did run into plenty of problems: delays, cost overruns, and there was a serious error in not obtaining the intellectual property during the procurement stages. The USAF is looking into designing the sixth-generation aircraft, the NGAD program, which is supposed to design an air superiority fighter.

The F-15EX is meant to be an upgrade package to F-15 as a way to maintain fleet size after F-22 production was ended, as well as being a low-cost platform for missions such as no-fly zones against targets with limited air defense risk.

Thanks for the question, Anon.

SomethingLikeALawyer, Hand of the King

[athomewiththecicadas]

Additional Subcontract Potential

With the Successes so far of Ariel Refueling known as NGAS, from the NGAD conglomeration, we can see potential for Space Refueling. Especially with the established Fuselages of the LRHW and the Small ICBM.

This was predominantly our Joint Programs, and areas of regulatory demands that are technical for their "sensitivity."

But designs such as "Kratos" may be a much more fiesable, reusable approach for a graduated program.

[hiroin-2]

"Flying in Circles: Lockmart’s Desperate Gamble to Stay Relevant"

Lockheed Martin’s recent loss in the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) competition to Boeing comes as no surprise to me. The aerospace giant has been chasing ambitions they can’t quite reach, and now they’re scrambling to salvage their investments by funneling NGAD tech into the F-35 program. It’s a bold move, but boldness doesn’t always equal brilliance.

According to Lockheed CEO Jim Taiclet, the company plans to “supercharge” the F-35, aiming to deliver 80% of what sixth-generation fighters can achieve but at half the cost. That’s an ambitious claim—one I’d respect more if their track record with upgrades wasn’t so abysmal. Technology Refresh-3 (TR-3), the foundation for their so-called Block 4 improvements, is already billions over budget and years behind schedule. They claim it’s 98% done, but “almost ready” doesn’t cut it in aerospace. When you’re dealing with fighters, you don’t get points for being close.

Taiclet says they’re turning the F-35 into a “Ferrari.” Cute analogy, but a Ferrari doesn’t win races unless it’s on the track. Even if they managed to pull it off, retrofitting the F-35 chassis to near-sixth-gen capability will always be a patchwork solution. And patchwork doesn’t survive in the skies—not when you’re facing hypersonic missiles, advanced stealth-detection systems, and next-gen adversaries. Boeing’s F-47 won this contract for a reason.

From what I’ve seen, Lockheed’s problem isn’t just technical—it’s cultural. They’ve been too comfortable in their dominance for decades and have lost the edge it takes to innovate at the level required today. The Air Force’s decision to go with Boeing for the F-47 is a clear signal: Lockheed’s best days in fighter development may be behind them. The Navy dropping them from the F/A-XX program just adds to that narrative.

Still, I understand their pivot. Losing out on the NGAD program leaves them with few options, and the F-35 is their bread and butter. International demand remains strong, even with the Pentagon reallocating budgets and uncertainty over U.S. production rates. Taiclet claims they can maintain their 156-per-year production rate by leaning on foreign buyers, and I don’t doubt that. The F-35, for all its flaws, is a proven platform, and there are plenty of nations looking for affordable fifth-gen fighters. But let’s be honest—international demand is a safety net, not a strategy.

I can’t help but wonder what Lockheed learned from the classified briefing they received on why Boeing won. I’d give anything to get my hands on that information. Whatever it was, Taiclet claims they’re taking the feedback internally and applying it to the F-35 and F-22 programs. That’s good—pride has no place in aerospace. Still, I doubt they’ll catch up to the F-47 anytime soon. Boeing isn’t just ahead in design; they’re ahead in mindset. They’re building for the future while Lockheed is trying to repackage the past.

As for me, I’ve always believed in building something from the ground up, not slapping upgrades onto outdated frames. My company, KAIKEN, doesn’t waste time chasing shadows. We focus on designing platforms that are ahead of their time, not just competitive in the present. Lockheed’s Ferrari analogy made me laugh—I’d never compare my designs to a car. Fighters aren’t for luxury or show; they’re for dominance, survivability, and adaptability. That’s why I hate canards. They’re flashy, sure, but they ruin stealth profiles and compromise agility. A fighter is only as good as its weakest point.

The F-47 is a step forward, but it’s also a warning. Sixth-gen fighters are going to redefine air combat, and anyone who can’t keep up will be left behind. Lockheed’s pivot to “fifth-gen-plus” feels like a desperate attempt to stay relevant. It’s a gamble, and one I wouldn’t personally take. But then again, I’ve never been satisfied with “good enough.” That’s the difference between me and them.

For now, the skies belong to those who innovate, not those who cling to legacy systems. Lockheed might have lost this round, but the real competition is just beginning. And I’ll be watching—closely.

[usafphantom2]

The incredible Raptor, the USAF's first and foremost air dominance fighter. Currently, nine squadrons operate the F-22, and the type is expected to remain in service - with ongoing upgrades, of course - until the USAF receives its sixth-generation fighter via the NGAD program.

@RealAirPower1 via X

[teemoonley]

F-47 MAGA T-Shirt

Declare your support for American strength and innovation with the F-47 MAGA Shirt. This powerful design features a striking illustration of the cutting-edge Boeing F-47 fighter jet soaring before a distressed American flag. Above, bold "F-47 MAGA" text makes a clear statement.

This design highlights the recently announced $20 billion contract awarded to Boeing for the F-47's development under the NGAD program, intended to ensure U.S. air superiority. This F-47 MAGA Shirt embodies national pride, military advancement, and the spirit of the MAGA movement, making it a bold piece for those who believe in a strong American defense.

[jetlinemarvel]

Trump Unveils Next-Gen US Fighter F-47 with $20B Investment

After China, the UK, Japan, and Italy, the United States has now stepped into the race to develop its own sixth-generation fighter jet, named the F-47. With major global powers advancing their next-generation air combat programs, the U.S. Air Force is set to field a revolutionary new platform that will redefine air superiority. The F-47, built under the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD)…

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] Paromita Das New Delhi. In a landmark development, Bharatiya Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump have unveiled the U.S.-Bharat COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) initiative. This groundbreaking agreement aims to redefine defense collaboration between the two nations, focusing on technology transfers, co-production ventures, and strategic alignment in defense and security sectors. Strengthening Defense Ties The COMPACT initiative introduces a comprehensive 10-year defense framework, emphasizing joint development and production of advanced defense systems. Notably, Bharat is set to procure and locally manufacture cutting-edge equipment, including the Javelin anti-tank guided missiles and Stryker infantry combat vehicles. The Javelin system, renowned for its fire-and-forget capability and high-explosive anti-tank warhead, has demonstrated exceptional performance in various combat scenarios, including the Iraq war and the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. The Stryker, an eight-wheeled armored vehicle, offers versatility with its Infantry Carrier Vehicle and Mobile Gun System variants, providing robust armor protection and speeds up to 60 miles per hour. Advancements in Aerial Combat A significant aspect of the agreement is the U.S. commitment to reviewing its policy on supplying fifth-generation fighters to Bharat, notably the F-35 Lightning II. This single-seat, single-engine, supersonic stealth fighter is designed for both air superiority and strike missions, encompassing electronic warfare, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. While the F-35 is acclaimed as one of the most advanced stealth fighters globally, discussions are also underway for Bharat’s potential involvement in the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. This U.S. Air Force initiative aims to develop sixth-generation fighter jets, signaling a forward-looking approach to aerial combat collaboration. Maritime and Autonomous Systems Collaboration The partnership extends to maritime defense, with Bharat set to acquire six additional P-8I Poseidon aircraft. These state-of-the-art maritime patrol aircraft have already proven invaluable in the Indian Navy’s operations. Furthermore, the agreement encompasses collaborations on unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), enhancing underwater domain awareness and maritime security. Industrial Cooperation and Technology Transfer Beyond procurement, the COMPACT initiative emphasizes joint production of defense equipment in Bharat. The formation of the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) will facilitate collaboration between U.S. companies—such as ThayerMahan, L3Harris, and Anduril—and Bharatiya firms like Mahindra, Bharat Electronics, and Bharat Dynamics. This alliance focuses on co-developing and co-producing maritime drones and counter-drone systems, bolstering indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities. A pivotal component of the agreement is the review of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which have historically impeded Bharat’s access to critical U.S. military technology. A streamlined ITAR process promises more efficient technology transfers, timely supply of spare parts, and improved maintenance protocols for U.S.-origin equipment in Bharat. Comprehensive Defense Cooperation The COMPACT initiative adopts a holistic approach to modern warfare, encompassing collaborations in space defense, missile defense, and cyber technologies. A notable outcome of the recent discussions is the initiation of negotiations for a Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) agreement. This accord aims to harmonize defense procurement systems, facilitating the mutual supply of defense goods and services. The RDP seeks to streamline procurement processes, reduce bureaucratic obstacles, and enhance efficiency in defense trade. It also aims to facilitate the transfer of advanced technologies, enabling Bharat to locally produce and maintain U.

S.-supplied defense systems. For the U.S., this agreement offers access to cost-effective components from Bharat’s burgeoning defense manufacturing sector. Economic Implications and Future Outlook The U.S. has emerged as a significant buyer of Bharatiya defense products, accounting for nearly 50% of Bharat’s total defense exports. American imports primarily include aircraft and helicopter parts manufactured by Bharatiya firms for global defense majors like Lockheed Martin and Boeing. For instance, Tata Boeing Aerospace Ltd (TBAL) in Hyderabad has supplied over 200 Apache fuselages and other aircraft components, while Lockheed Martin’s partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has resulted in the production of more than 200 empennages for the C-130J transport aircraft and over 157 cabins for the S-92 helicopter. These collaborations have contributed to a remarkable surge in Bharat’s defense exports, which soared from $110 million in 2013-14 to over $2.5 billion in 2023-24. This growth aligns with the Modi government’s initiatives, such as “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” aimed at promoting defense manufacturing and exports. The introduction of the Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020 and the Strategic Partnership Model has further simplified procurement processes and encouraged private sector participation. Prime Minister Modi has set an ambitious target of achieving $5 billion in defense exports by 2025, driven by a projected $25 billion turnover in defense manufacturing. The recent surge in exports indicates that Bharat is well on its way to meeting this goal. Conclusion The U.S.-Bharat COMPACT initiative signifies a transformative shift in bilateral defense relations, moving beyond traditional buyer-seller dynamics to a partnership rooted in co-development, technology sharing, and strategic alignment. As both nations navigate the complexities of global security challenges, this collaboration not only enhances their defense capabilities but also contributes to regional and global stability. The successful implementation of this initiative will depend on sustained political will, effective execution of agreements, and the fostering of mutual trust and understanding between the two democracies.   The post US-Bharat COMPACT: Forging a New Era in Defense Collaboration appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates. [ad_2] Source link