Battle Lines US vs China vs Europe: the race to build the fighter jet of the future
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Dec 29, 2025 Tom Withington, a defence and air power expert from the Royal United Services Institute, dives into the intriguing world of sixth-generation fighter jets. He elucidates how these aircraft go beyond speed, becoming flying data centers that can evade advanced defenses and control drone swarms. The conversation explores key programs like the Tempest and NGAD, the evolution of combat aircraft, and the future's technological landscape, including autonomous systems and procurement challenges, all while considering air dominance on a global stage.
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Chernobyl Sarcophagus Visit
- Venetia recalls being at Chernobyl for the installation of the giant new sarcophagus arch.
- She notes a recent Russian drone strike damaged its containment role, raising safety concerns.
Fighters Become Flying Data Hubs
- Sixth-generation fighters act as flying data hubs that share and manage huge amounts of information in real time.
- They pair with lower-cost collaborative combat aircraft (drones) to do the riskiest tasks and preserve the expensive manned jet.
What 'Generation' Means For Fighters
- Generations mark capability shifts: from early jets to stealth and now to networked, generous-information platforms.
- Sixth gen adds extreme stealth, range, payload and data-sharing beyond individual formations.