Exploring the World of 5th Generation Fighter Aircraft

Military Aviation | Modern

The era of the 5th Generation Fighter Aircraft began with the 2005 introduction of the USAF Lockheed F-22 Raptor air superiority platform. The Fifth Generation Fighter is the contemporary term for ‘next-generation’ combat aircraft. Although universally defined features are lacking, aircraft in this class build upon successful 4th Generation Fighter designs, adding unprecedented performance, stealth technology, and sophisticated digital avionics. A key characteristic is the use of internal weapons bays to minimize radar signature. The Lockheed F-22 ‘Raptor’ was the first to enter service. Significant developments are underway in countries like Russia, China, Turkey, South Korea, Japan, and Europe. Learn about the difference between 4th and 5th generation fighter aircraft.

This evolution from earlier designs, including the 4.5th generation fighter aircraft, represents a significant leap in capabilities.

While some 5th generation projects are already flying, others are still in development phases. Many anticipate when these new 5th generation fighter aircraft will fly operationally.

Several nations are investing heavily to join the ranks of countries operating these advanced machines. Examining the landscape reveals various impressive designs and concepts.

This list highlights some of the most notable platforms considered part of this elite group, potentially including those considered the top 10 5th generation fighter aircraft by many. Before diving into the list of 17 aircraft, it’s useful to appreciate the lineage that led to these designs, reflecting on the best 4th generation fighter aircraft that paved the way.

The following list details 17 notable 5th Generation Fighter Aircraft projects and operational platforms globally:

• AVIC J-35 5th generation carrierborne fighter aircraft prototype from ChinaAVIC J-35
  5th Generation Carrierborne Fighter (Projected Service: 2028)

• Boeing-Saab T-7 Red Hawk advanced jet trainer aircraftBoeing-Saab T-7 Red Hawk (eT-7A)
  5th Generation Advanced Jet Trainer Aircraft (Service: 2023)

• Chengdu J-20 Black Eagle multirole 5th generation fighter aircraftChengdu (AVIC) J-20 (Black Eagle)
  Multirole 5th Generation Fighter Aircraft (Service: 2017)

• HAL AMCA Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft 5th generation conceptHAL AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft)
  5th Generation Fighter Concept (Projected Service: 2030)

• HAL Sukhoi PMF FGFA multirole 5th generation fighter conceptHAL Sukhoi PMF/FGFA
  Multirole 5th Generation Fighter Concept (Projected Service: 2019 – partnership ended)

• HESA F-313 Qaher 5th generation lightweight stealth fighter prototype from IranHESA F-313 Qaher (Conqueror)
  5th Generation Lightweight Stealth Fighter Prototype (Projected Service: 2018)

• KAI KF-21 Boromae 5th generation multirole fighter aircraft prototypeKAI KF-21 Boromae (KF-X)
  5th Generation Multirole Fighter Aircraft (Projected Service: 2028)

• Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor 5th generation air dominance fighter aircraftLockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
  5th Generation Air Dominance Fighter (Service: 2005)

• Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II advanced multi-role strike fighter aircraftLockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
  Advanced Multi-Role Strike Fighter / Fighter-Bomber Aircraft (Service: 2016)

• Mitsubishi F-X 5th or 6th generation air superiority fighter concept from JapanMitsubishi F-X
  5th / 6th Generation Air Superiority Fighter (Projected Service: 2035)

• Mitsubishi X-2 5th generation fighter technology demonstrator aircraft ShinshinMitsubishi X-2 (ATD-X / Shinshin)
  5th Generation Fighter Technology Demonstrator Aircraft (Projected Service: 2016)

• Northrop Grumman T-X 5th generation advanced jet trainer aircraft proposalNorthrop Grumman T-X (Model 400)
  5th Generation Advanced Jet Trainer Aircraft Proposal (Projected Service: 2017)

• Northrop-McDonnell Douglas YF-23 Black Widow II 5th generation fighter prototype demonstratorNorthrop-McDonnell Douglas YF-23 (Black Widow II)
  Technology Demonstrator / 5th Generation Fighter Prototype (Projected Service: 1990 – concept)

• Stavatti Javelin T-X advanced jet trainer aircraft prototype proposalStavatti Javelin T-X
  Advanced Jet Trainer Aircraft Prototype (Projected Service: 2017 – proposal)

• Sukhoi Checkmate Su-75 lightweight 5th generation fighter proposal from RussiaSukhoi Checkmate (Su-75)
  Lightweight 5th Generation Fighter Proposal (Projected Service: 2026)

• Sukhoi Su-57 Felon 5th generation multi-role stealth aircraft from RussiaSukhoi Su-57 (Felon)
  5th Generation Multi-Role Stealth Aircraft (Service: 2019)

• TAI Kaan TF-X 5th generation fighter project from TurkeyTAI Kaan (TF-X / F-X)
  5th Generation Fighter Project (Projected Service: 2028)