The US is considering reviving its light fighter concept in response to difficulties with its next-generation fighter program, a move that has sparked heated debate and challenged conventional airpower strategies.
This month, The War Zone reported that US Air Force Chief of Staff General David Allvin unveiled a notional light fighter concept at a recent presentation at the Global Air and Space Chiefs Conference in London, sparking discussions about the future of the US fighter fleet.
The War Zone notes that the concept, resembling a scaled-down F-35, suggests a shift towards adaptable, software-centric aircraft over the US Air Force’s traditional hardware-focused approach.
The report mentions that this move aligns with the US Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative, which has faced scrutiny for the high cost of its sixth-generation stealth combat jet, estimated at almost US$250 million per unit.
The report says that Allvin’s vision emphasizes rapid software updates to maintain an edge over adversaries, potentially leading to more “disposable” crewed fighters.
It states that this revelation coincides with the US Air Force’s reassessment of the NGAD program, considering affordability issues and the integration of uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones.
The War Zone mentions that the light fighter concept could represent a strategic pivot to a mixed fleet, balancing high-end capabilities with cost-effective solutions to counter rapidly evolving threats, particularly from China.
The report notes that the idea resonates with previous US Air Force considerations for a “high/low” mix of fighters and a possible new design to replace the aging F-16 fleet.
As the US Air Force navigates these complex challenges, the emerging light fighter concept could be the key to bridging the gap between evolving threats and budgetary reality.
In June 2024, Asia Times reported that the US Air Force is currently facing strategic and budgetary dilemmas as it debates the future of its air dominance, particularly concerning the aging F-22 Raptors and the NGAD’s development.
The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) criticized the US Air Force’s fiscal year 2023 budget proposal for lacking detailed data on the implications of retiring older F-22s used for training.
The USAF operates 32 Block 20 F-22s, which are not upgraded to the more advanced Block 30/35 models. The GAO has called for more comprehensive data to support decision-making.
Meanwhile, the NGAD program is facing uncertainties due to budget constraints, technological challenges and evolving concepts of air dominance. The program’s future is in question, with USAF officials hesitant to continue without a clear decision.
Additionally, the US Air Force is considering a $22 billion upgrade for the F-22 fleet to extend its service life until the 2040s, despite concerns that the aircraft may become outdated when upgrades are completed.
In addition to the cost-saving rationale for light fighters, Harrison Kass mentions in an article for The National Interest (TNI) this month that the new light fighter concept aims to avoid the obsolescence these multi-billion-dollar platforms face by being “built to adapt” rather than “built to last.”
However, Kass says that the aerospace community has expressed surprise at this potential pivot mentioned by Allvin, with some defense industry executives reportedly “baffled by the decision.”
Alex Biegalski says in a February 2022 article for War on the Rocks that light fighter aircraft can bridge the gap between manned and unmanned fighters.
Biegalski notes that the concept, which involves pairing pilots with autonomous drones, aims to enhance combat effectiveness while minimizing pilot risk.
He says the US Air Force’s pursuit of a teaming-capable light fighter derived from advanced tactical trainers like the Boeing T-7 could provide a cost-effective solution to accelerate trust in autonomous systems and improve readiness for future conflicts.
He points out that while the light fighter may not be ideal for penetrating advanced air defenses, its potential to control drone strike packages and provide critical support in established air superiority zones highlights its strategic value.
Biegalski’s statement may reflect a more significant debate surrounding the operational value of light fighters.
David Pappalardo mentions in Varia that light fighter advocates argue that these aircraft can provide adequate fire support and surveillance while freeing up advanced fighters for high-intensity scenarios, thus reducing operational costs and extending the lifespan of more sophisticated aircraft.
On the other hand, he says that critics fear integrating light fighters could undermine the force structure, especially in great power competition including with China. He notes that opponents believe the focus should remain on maintaining a fleet of advanced fighters ready for high-intensity combat to ensure strategic superiority.
In addition, Pappalardo says proponents see the potential for light fighters to foster international cooperation with allies who lack modern combat aircraft. However, he states that opponents caution against strategic downgrading that might result from diverting resources to light fighters.
Asia Times reported in May 2023 that Taiwan is actively seeking assistance from the US to develop its next-generation stealth fighter jet, aiming to close its significant air power gap with China.
Taiwan’s Aerospace Industrial Development Corp (AIDC) chairman Hu Kai-hung highlighted the support request, which includes critical technologies like engines, avionics and control systems, at a defense industry forum in Taipei.
Helping Taiwan acquire light fighters could be a viable solution to maintain credible air defense capabilities, considering the US hesitance to provide Taiwan with advanced military technology such as F-35 jets.
In a July 2024 article for TNI, Brandon Weichert argues that selling F-35 Lightning II jets to Taiwan is criticized as a potentially dangerous move that could escalate tensions with China and provoke a conflict.
He views sending F-35s to Taiwan as impractical and provocative, pointing out that if supply chains are disrupted during a blockade, they could potentially become liabilities.
Given US hesitance to arm Taiwan with advanced aircraft such as the F-35, the US could opt to provide technical assistance to the latter’s domestic next-generation light fighter program, which can replace or supplement Taiwan’s aging fighter fleet of F-16s, Mirage 2000s, F-5s and Indigenous Defense Fighters (IDFs).
This just confirms that the F-35 is indeed a trillion dollar lemon!