Next generation US fighter jet project is in question

Significance

The Air Force still has plans to build the fighter aircraft at the centre of its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) system, but a pause of several months will allow more time to finalise major design specifications before committing to a prime contractor.

Impacts

• A formal NGAD contract was expected later this year but now looks likely to be delayed into next year.
• No Pentagon leader has renounced the goal of attaining US air superiority in highly contested operational environments.
• Restructuring the programme could help decrease dependence on a diminishing number of prime contractors for future aircraft projects.