Unveiling the Era of Fifth Gen Fighter Aircraft

The advent of the fifth generation fighter aircraft marked a significant leap in military aviation technology. Ushered in by the introduction of the USAF Lockheed F-22 Raptor in 2005, these aircraft represent the current pinnacle of air combat capabilities.

The definition of a Fifth Gen Fighter Aircraft isn’t rigidly standardized globally, but commonly accepted characteristics distinguish them from previous generations. Key features include advanced stealth technology to minimize radar signature, highly integrated avionics and sensor fusion allowing for unprecedented situational awareness, supercruise capability (sustained supersonic flight without afterburners), and internal weapons bays to maintain a low radar cross-section. These aircraft integrate all-digital flight systems and network-centric warfare capabilities, enabling them to share information seamlessly with other assets. While drawing on proven concepts from 4th Generation Fighter designs, they introduce entirely new levels of performance and survivability. The development of such advanced platforms is a massive undertaking, with significant projects underway in several countries. The aspiration for these advanced capabilities is clear, and many concepts and prototypes aim to prove that these 5th generation fighter aircraft will fly in future conflicts.

Here is a look at some of the prominent fifth generation fighter aircraft and concepts being developed or currently in service around the world:

• AVIC J-35 (China): Expected around 2028, this program focuses on a carrier based fighter aircraft designed for naval operations.

  AVIC J-35 5th generation carrierborne fighter aircraft from China

• Boeing-Saab T-7 Red Hawk (eT-7A) (United States): While primarily an advanced jet trainer introduced in 2023, its design and systems incorporate 5th generation technologies and training philosophies.

  Boeing-Saab T-7 Red Hawk advanced jet trainer aircraft

• Chengdu (AVIC) J-20 (Black Eagle) (China): Entering service around 2017, the J-20 is a multirole fifth generation fighter aircraft.

  Chengdu J-20 Black Eagle multirole 5th generation fighter

• HAL AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) (India): A 5th generation fighter concept with an expected introduction around 2030, representing India’s ambition in advanced aviation.

  HAL AMCA 5th generation fighter concept from India

• HAL Sukhoi PMF/FGFA (India): A multirole 5th generation fighter concept from around 2019, a joint project that has seen various stages of development.

  HAL Sukhoi PMF/FGFA multirole 5th generation fighter concept

• HESA F-313 Qaher (Conqueror) (Iran): Presented as a 5th generation lightweight stealth fighter prototype around 2018.

  HESA F-313 Qaher lightweight stealth fighter prototype from Iran

• KAI KF-21 Boromae (KF-X) (South Korea): A 5th generation multirole fighter aircraft project expected around 2028, marking a significant step for South Korea’s aerospace industry.

  KAI KF-21 Boromae KF-X multirole 5th generation fighter aircraft from South Korea

• Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor (United States): Introduced in 2005, the F-22 is considered the first operational 5th generation air dominance fighter. It is known for its impressive performance, including its top speed fighter aircraft capabilities.

  Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor air dominance 5th generation fighter aircraft

• Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II (United States): Entering service around 2016, the F-35 is an advanced multi-role strike fighter and arguably the most popular fighter aircraft program globally due to its widespread adoption by numerous countries.

  Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II advanced multi-role strike fighter aircraft

• Mitsubishi F-X (Japan): A concept aiming for introduction around 2035, envisioned as a 5th / 6th generation air superiority fighter.

  Mitsubishi F-X 5th/6th generation air superiority fighter concept from Japan

• Mitsubishi X-2 (ATD-X / Shinshin) (Japan): A 5th generation fighter technology demonstrator aircraft that first flew around 2016, exploring key technologies for future designs.

  Mitsubishi X-2 Shinshin 5th generation technology demonstrator aircraft

• Northrop Grumman T-X (Model 400) (United States): A 5th generation advanced jet trainer aircraft proposal from around 2017.

  Northrop Grumman T-X advanced jet trainer aircraft proposal

• Northrop-McDonnell Douglas YF-23 (Black Widow II) (United States): A technology demonstrator and 5th generation fighter prototype from the 1990s that competed against the F-22 program.

  Northrop-McDonnell Douglas YF-23 Black Widow II 5th generation fighter prototype

• Stavatti Javelin T-X (United States): An advanced jet trainer aircraft prototype proposed around 2017.

  Stavatti Javelin T-X advanced jet trainer aircraft prototype

• Sukhoi Checkmate (Su-75) (Russia): A lightweight 5th generation fighter proposal unveiled around 2021, aiming for an introduction around 2026.

  Sukhoi Checkmate lightweight 5th generation fighter proposal from Russia

• Sukhoi Su-57 (Felon) (Russia): A 5th generation multi-role stealth aircraft introduced around 2019, known for its maneuverability and potential as a world’s fastest fighter aircraft contender.

  Sukhoi Su-57 Felon multirole stealth fighter aircraft from Russia

• TAI Kaan (TF-X / F-X) (Turkey): Turkey’s indigenous 5th generation fighter project, expected around 2028.

  TAI Kaan TF-X 5th generation fighter project from Turkey

These aircraft represent the cutting edge of military aviation, defining the capabilities needed for air superiority and multirole missions in the 21st century. Their advanced features underscore the ongoing evolution of aerial warfare technology.