New concept image reveals details of the U.S. Navy's secret F/A-XX fighter jet

The secrecy surrounding the sixth-generation F/A—XX fighter program for the US Navy has eased slightly after one of the key participants in the competition, Northrop Grumman, published a new conceptual image of its version of a carrier—based combat aircraft. The rendering, posted on the company's official website in the section dedicated to naval aviation, shows the front of the future fighter jet against the background of an aircraft carrier deck.

Although the image does not show the wings, tail unit or the full appearance of the aircraft, it provides important design clues: a pointed nose, characteristic fuselage lines, as well as elements indicating low radar visibility (stealth technology) are noticeable. The locations of sensors and antennas are also visible, which indicates a high degree of integration of sensors and communication systems.

Unlike the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program The US Air Force, focused on gaining air superiority, the F/A-XX is being developed taking into account the specifics of naval operations. Its main tasks are strikes against ground and surface targets, fleet support, and operations in remote theaters of war, especially in the Pacific region.

China's growing naval power and the geographical features of the Pacific Ocean require the new fighters to have increased flight range, greater autonomy and the ability to operate as part of a network-centric combat system, including interaction with unmanned loyal wingmen (CCA) and aircraft carrier groups.

Northrop Grumman, Boeing and Lockheed Martin are involved in developing concepts for the F/A-XX. The U.S. Navy has not yet disclosed the full requirements, but it is clear that the sixth—generation fighter will be the centerpiece of a future carrier air group - combining high stealth, advanced electronics, artificial intelligence, and likely partial or full autonomy.

China is preparing to display new combat drones at a military parade

Before the upcoming major military parade in Beijing, the first footage and data on China's new combat drones have appeared. At least five different models of unmanned aerial vehicles belonging to the loyal wingman class are visible on satellite images and in training footage. These vehicles are similar to what the US Air Force designates as joint combat aircraft (CCA — Collaborative Combat Aircraft).

The new Chinese drones are characterized by low visibility, autonomy and the ability to operate in close cooperation with manned fighter jets. They are designed to perform a wide range of tasks, from reconnaissance and electronic jamming to strikes against ground and air targets.

It is expected that some of the models presented at the parade may be advanced unmanned combat aircraft (UCAV) with increased autonomy, including the ability to make decisions in the air without constant operator control. At the same time, they retain the ability to accompany and support manned aircraft, enhancing their combat effectiveness.

The demonstration of such technologies highlights China's desire to reduce the technological gap between leading countries in the field of advanced aviation and artificial intelligence. The display of the new UCAVs at the parade is not just a spectacular event, but a signal of China's readiness to move to a new level of digital and autonomous aerial warfare.

Tempest: the British-Italian-Japanese "hurricane" of the sixth generation and the future of the war on AI

Tempest

 BAE Systems, the leading British defense giant, has unveiled a project that could change the face of aerial combat for decades to come — the sixth-generation Tempest fighter. This prototype, being created as part of a large-scale international project involving the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan, is positioned as a real breakthrough in military aviation, but at the same time it causes serious debate about the future of weapons controlled by artificial intelligence (AI) and a new global arms race.

Tempest is not just a new aircraft, but a whole combat system. Its key features are the integration of artificial intelligence and the "Loyal Wingman" concept. AI will assist the pilot in making decisions by analyzing huge streams of data in real time, as well as controlling accompanying unmanned "partners" who can act as advanced scouts, jammers or carriers of additional weapons. Tempest itself is designed to perform missions in both manned and fully unmanned mode, providing incredible flexibility.

Advanced technologies such as 3D printing and digital modeling are used to accelerate and reduce the cost of development and production. This allows for faster testing and implementation of new components.

The main goal of the project is not only to create an aircraft capable of dominating future air battles, but also to transform air warfare methods, making them more networked, autonomous and deadly. However, it is precisely this autonomy that causes concern: where is the line between an AI assistant and an AI killer? Nevertheless, the race for the sixth generation has already begun, and Tempest is one of the main contenders for leadership.

China is preparing a surprise: "smart" drones for fighter jets will be shown at the parade

China is clearly preparing a high—profile stunt for its next major military parade - and it's not about new tanks or missiles. This time, attention is focused on new drones, which can be a real breakthrough in aviation. According to satellite intelligence and analysts, mock—ups or even real samples of "loyal wingman" type drones are involved in the preparation for the march - the very ones that should fly in conjunction with manned fighters and make them many times more efficient.

What is a "loyal follower"?

Imagine a fifth-generation fighter, for example, the famous J—20 - fast, unobtrusive, powerful. Now imagine that one, two, or even three drones are flying behind him, which he fully controls. These drones can:

- Fly ahead and  scout the area, risking yourself instead of the pilot.  

- Carry additional missiles and expand the fighter's ammunition.  

- Create interference, distract enemy air defenses, or even attack targets autonomously — at the command of the pilot.  

Drones like "smart wings" or digital shadows. They are also called Loyal Wingman — "loyal wingman". This concept is being actively developed by the USA, Australia and other countries. And now China is entering the home stretch.

Commercial satellite images taken near the training ground where the parade rehearsals are taking place show several unidentified medium-sized UAVs. They are stored under canopies, but their outlines are recognizable: an elongated fuselage, a low—lying wing, hidden air intakes - all this indicates low visibility and high aerodynamics. Some experts compare them to the Australian MQ-28 Ghost Bat, but with the characteristic features of the Chinese design.

What is important is that there are no conventional launch systems next to them, like those of tactical drones. This means that they are most likely not just scouts, but full-fledged combat units designed to work as part of an air group.

Why would China do that?

The answer is simple: to seize the initiative in the air war of the future. Modern fighter jets are becoming too expensive and complex. But slave drones are cheaper, consumable, but at the same time very dangerous in mass. One pilot can control several of these machines, turning one aircraft into an entire combat network.

If China really shows these drones at the parade, it will be a serious signal to the world:

"We are not only copying, we are creating our own advanced systems. And we are ready for war in a new reality, where artificial intelligence and autonomy play a crucial role."

Chinese military parades are not just a show of force. This is a strategic show designed for an internal audience and external observers. Showing new weapons at such events is a way of saying:  

"Look, we have this."  

"And we can scale it." 

"Don't underestimate us."

If the "loyal slaves" appear in the ranks — even in the form of mockups — it will mean that the program is in the final stage of testing. Or perhaps she has already passed the first flight tests with the J-20 or other fighters.

China is no longer just a "player" in the military technology race — it is becoming a leader in some areas. And if everyone used to look at the F-35 and Skyborg, now they will have to study closely what Chengdu and its partners are doing.  

The future of air warfare is in human + drone bundles.  

And, apparently, China is already there.

Kratos is developing new Apollo and Athena drones for the European market

The American company Kratos Defense & Security Technologies continues to expand its position in the market of combat unmanned aerial vehicles. The focus is on two new secret projects: Apollo and Athena, created as part of the so—called "Loyal Wingman" program, aimed primarily at European customers.

These drones are being developed as modular systems, which allows them to be adapted to various combat missions. According to the company, Apollo and Athena have a high degree of flexibility and can be used both as combat drones carrying weapons, as well as as electronic warfare platforms or reconnaissance systems with additional sensors.

Of particular interest is their ability to interact with third- and fourth-generation fighters, enhancing their combat capabilities and allowing them to perform missions in high-threat environments without risk to the pilot. This makes Apollo and Athena attractive solutions for countries seeking to modernize their air forces without completely switching to expensive fifth-generation fighters.

Despite the fact that these UAVs are smaller in size than the well-known XQ-58 Valkyrie, they are not inferior to it in technology and application potential. Flexible architecture and the ability to quickly reconfigure for a specific mission give them an advantage in today's rapidly changing battlefield.

South Korea presents Loyal Wingman: A New Era in the Air Force

 

Loyal Wingman

In the world of modern technology and military engineering, the emergence of a new generation of combat drones is not just an event, but a real breakthrough. South Korea, known for its innovative developments, recently introduced the low-visibility Unmanned Wing Aircraft (LOWUS), or Loyal Wingman, designed to work closely with the KF-21 Boramae multirole fighter. This move marked the beginning of a new era in air operations tactics.

The LOWUS system is an autonomous drone designed to perform fighter aircraft support tasks in the air. The concept of the "Loyal Wingman" has long been discussed by leading world powers such as the United States and Australia, but the South Korean version demonstrates unique features adapted to the needs of the local Air Force.

The LOWUS drone is characterized by a high level of stealth due to its advanced aerodynamic design and the use of modern materials. This allows him to effectively counter the enemy's radar equipment. Moreover, its design makes it possible to integrate a wide range of weapons, from guided missiles to electronic suppression systems.

The main goal of LOWUS is to work in tandem with the fifth—generation fighter KF-21 Boramae, which is the flagship project of the South Korean Air Force. The drone will be able to act as a "stand-in", taking on risky missions such as reconnaissance, destroying ground targets or even eliminating aerial threats. Thus, the manned fighter gets an additional advantage in the form of an extended range and improved protection.

The interface between KF-21 and LOWUS is based on advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. The drone is able to make decisions in real time by analyzing data from radars, satellites and other information sources. This makes the KF-21 + LOWUS pair one of the most well-coordinated teams among modern air systems.

The development of LOWUS became possible thanks to the joint efforts of the South Korean company Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and other technological leaders of the country. The project combined the latest achievements in the field of aircraft structures, software and electronics.

The following key characteristics are particularly worth noting:

-Stealth: The use of carbon composites and special coatings reduces the likelihood of drone detection.

- Autonomy: Highly intelligent algorithms allow LOWUS to operate practically without human intervention.

-Flexible application: The platform can be easily modified to perform various tasks, from shock to reconnaissance.

The appearance of LOWUS has far-reaching consequences not only for South Korea, but for the entire region. In the context of tensions on the Korean peninsula and the intensification of the military programs of China and Japan, new technologies can become a decisive factor in ensuring a strategic balance of power.

In addition, the success of the project opens up export opportunities. Many countries around the world are interested in acquiring reliable and modern solutions for their air forces. South Korea, which has established itself as a manufacturer of high-quality weapons, can use LOWUS as a powerful tool to strengthen its position in the global market.

The presentation of the LOWUS system symbolizes the transition from traditional methods of aerial combat to a new paradigm where man and machine work together as a single whole. "Loyal Wingman" type drones are becoming an integral part of the future of aviation, and South Korea is making confident steps in this direction.

Now, as the KF-21 Boramae prepares for mass production, LOWUS becomes its ideal partner. Together, they represent a symbiosis of innovation, technology, and military might that can change the rules of the game in the air battles of the 21st century.