A 6th generation fighter jet? Are you from planet Zog?

Climate change and energy security

The world is already facing climate change: extreme heat, forest fires, fresh water shortages, failed harvests. A grim forebode of things to come. At the same time the West faces an energy crises forcing its leaders to cosy up with dubious regimes for some extra oil and gas. And the fossil fuel villains play it hard: President Biden only recently was sent back empty handed by the Saudi rulers. Nevertheless armed forces and the defense industry rely on their blinkers to continue to do business as usual.

No need for a 6th generation fighter jet

While the F35 (a 5th generation fighter) is yet to take over from the F16 c.s. industries are already jockeying for the 6th generation. Although characteristics are still far from clear, they (e.g. NGAD, FCAS, BAE System Tempest) seem to have two things in common: they will be extremely expensive and will consume even more fuel than their predecessors. To put that in perspective, on an hourly base an F35 consumes already three times more fuel than a 5500 ton frigate sailing average speed. New AETP engines - when ever they reach the market - will probably not reduce consumption substantially.

Do we need a 6th generation fighter jet? If you brake down the main characteristics of a 5th generation fighter jet (speed, weight, maneuverability and detectability), probably 80% can be attributed to saving the life of the pilot and preventing the loss of an extremely expensive asset. If you dispense of that you can basically afford a five fold of UAVs. In 2030 an unmanned aircraft can undoubtedly do the same thing as a piloted aircraft, maybe even better. A UAV lost, doesn’t cost an arm or a leg and no life is to be mourned. Not worried by the 6th fuel consumption as in due course Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) will replace kerosene? All experts agree: tell your Granny.

Stop putting your head in Putins energy noose 

Vested interest, doing business as usual and protect your market share, dictates the market rather than the need for security. By promoting a 6th generation fighter air forces and aero-industry put their heads in Putins energy noose and accept climate change as a problem for future generations. Millions have already been spent but it's time to stop throwing good money at bad. Time to invest in even more capable UAVs and swarm technology.

Illustration of a French NGF/FCAS in flight, based on Public Information of the project in 2022