:Fifth-generation fighter

The emerging generation of advanced fighter aircraft in the first decades of the 21st century has come to be known as the fifth generation.{{cite book |first1=David |last1=Baker |year=2018 |title=Fifth Generation Fighters: Stealth, Covert Radar, Supercruise, Agility |publisher=Morton's Media Group Limited |isbn=978-1911276586}}{{page number|date=November 2024}} The defining characteristics of such a fifth-generation fighter are not universally agreed upon, and not every fifth-generation type necessarily has them all. Some generation counts include more than five leading up to the emerging new generation.{{citation |url= http://www.airpower.au.af.mil/airchronicles/apj/apj90/win90/1win90.htm |title= Air Force Fighter Acquisition since 1945 |author= Dr Richard P. Hallion |work= Air Power Journal |date= Winter 1990 |access-date= 2012-02-07 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161211062747/http://www.airpower.au.af.mil/airchronicles/apj/apj90/win90/1win90.htm |archive-date= 2016-12-11 }}{{cite news |url=http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/feature/135080/f_35-reality-check-10-years-on-%28part-1%29.html |title=F-35 Reality Check Ten Years On – Part 1: 'Fifth-Generation' and Other Myths |website=Defense-aerospace.com |first=Giovanni |last=de Briganti |date=9 May 2012 |access-date=8 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014134214/http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/feature/135080/f_35-reality-check-10-years-on-%28part-1%29.html |archive-date=14 October 2012 |url-status=live}}

Whereas previous fourth-generation fighters emphasized maneuverability and close-range dogfighting, typical fifth-generation characteristics include:

• Stealth, with munitions stored internally.
• High maneuverability, which tends to include short-field capabilities.
• Supercruise, i.e. prolonged supersonic cruise without the use of reheat.
• Advanced avionics, including low-probability-of-intercept radar (LPIR).
• Networked data fusion, enabling situation awareness on the battlefield.
• Multirole capabilities, such as battlefield C³ (command, control and communications).

In order to minimize their radar cross-section (RCS), most fifth-generation fighters use chines instead of standard leading edge extensions and lack canards, though the Sukhoi T-50 has engine intake extensions that seem to function somewhat like canards, and the Chengdu J-20 designers have chosen the agility enhancements of canards in spite of their poor stealth characteristics.{{cite web |url=http://www.dept.aoe.vt.edu/~mason/Mason_f/canardsS03.pdf |title=Canards |publisher=Virginia Tech |series=AOE 4124 Configuration Aerodynamics |first1=Evan |last1=Neblett |first2=Mike |last2=Metheny |first3=Leifur Thor |last3=Liefsson |date=17 March 2003 |access-date=13 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304092440/http://www.dept.aoe.vt.edu/~mason/Mason_f/canardsS03.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=live}} They all have twin canted vertical tails (similar to a V-tail) also to minimize side RCS. Most fifth-generation fighters with supermaneuverability achieve it through thrust vectoring.

They all have internal weapon bays in order to avoid high RCS weapon pylons, but they all have external hardpoints on their wings for use on non-stealthy missions, such as the external fuel tanks the F-22 carries when deploying to a new theater.

All fifth-generation fighters have a high percentage of composite materials, in order to reduce RCS and weight.

All revealed fifth-generation fighters use commercial off-the-shelf main processors to directly control all sensors to form a consolidated view of the battlespace with both onboard and networked sensors, while previous-generation jet fighters used federated systems where each sensor or pod would present its own readings for the pilot to combine in their own mind a view of the battlespace.{{cite journal |url=http://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/print/volume-21/issue-5/news/news/f-35-avionics__an.html |title=F-35 avionics: an interview with the Joint Strike Fighter's director of mission systems and software |journal=Military & Aerospace Electronics |first=John |last=McHale |volume=21 |issue=5 |date=1 May 2010 |access-date=13 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101013605/http://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/print/volume-21/issue-5/news/news/f-35-avionics__an.html |archive-date=1 January 2016 }}{{cite news |url=http://www.aviationtoday.com/av/military/F-35-Electronic-Warfare-Suite-More-Than-Self-Protection_845.html |title=F-35 Electronic Warfare Suite: More Than Self-Protection |work=Avionics |publisher=Aviation Today |first=Ron |last=Sherman |date=1 April 2006 |access-date=13 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505100913/http://www.aviationtoday.com/av/military/F-35-Electronic-Warfare-Suite-More-Than-Self-Protection_845.html |archive-date=5 May 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uCI5KhlGM4kC&pg=PA171 |title=Advanced Tactical Fighter to F-22 Raptor: Origins of the 21st Century Air Dominance Fighter |publisher=AIAA |first1=David C. |last1=Aronstein |first2=Michael J. |last2=Hirschberg |first3=Albert C. |last3=Piccirillo |page=171 |date=1998 |isbn=1-56347-282-1 |access-date=13 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625100141/https://books.google.com/books?id=uCI5KhlGM4kC&lpg=PA171&pg=PA171 |archive-date=25 June 2016 |url-status=live}} The F-22A was physically delivered without synthetic aperture radar (SAR) or situation awareness infra-red search and track. It will gain SAR later through software upgrades.{{cite journal |url=http://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/print/volume-21/issue-2/news/news/f-35-joint-strike-fighter-leverages-cots-for-avionics-systems.html |title=F-35 Joint Strike Fighter leverages COTS for avionics systems |journal=Military & Aviation Electronics |first=John |last=McHale |volume=21 |issue=2 |date=1 February 2010 |access-date=6 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054632/http://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/print/volume-21/issue-2/news/news/f-35-joint-strike-fighter-leverages-cots-for-avionics-systems.html |archive-date=21 September 2013 }} However, any flaw in these complex software systems can disable supposedly unrelated aircraft systems, and the complexity of a software-defined aircraft can lead to a software crisis with additional costs and delays.{{cite news |url=https://www.af.mil/News/story/storyID/123041567/ |title=Raptors arrive at Kadena |work=Air Force Link |publisher=U.S. Air Force |first=Dani |last=Johnson |date=19 February 2007 |access-date=9 May 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626180609/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123041567 |archive-date=26 June 2010}}{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/02/business/02plane.html |title=Additional Costs Expected for Lockheed's F-35 Fighter |work=The New York Times |first=Christopher |last=Drew |date=1 November 2010 |access-date=24 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228231047/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/02/business/02plane.html |archive-date=28 February 2018 |url-status=live}} By the end of 2013, the biggest concern with the F-35 program was software, especially the software required for data fusion across the many sensors.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-lockheed-fighter-idUSBRE9B401Y20131205 |title=Pentagon focused on weapons, data fusion as F-35 nears combat use |work=Reuters |first=Andrea |last=Shalal-Esa |date=4 December 2013 |access-date=4 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126120816/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-lockheed-fighter-idUSBRE9B401Y20131205 |archive-date=26 January 2016 |url-status=live}}

Sukhoi calls their expert system for sensor fusion the artificial intelligence of the Su-57.{{cite news |url=http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2010/0129/Russia-flexes-military-power-with-futuristic-fighter-jet |title=Russia flexes military power with 'futuristic' fighter jet |work=The Christian Science Monitor |first=Fred |last=Weir |date=29 January 2010 |access-date=13 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100609041046/http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2010/0129/Russia-flexes-military-power-with-futuristic-fighter-jet |archive-date=9 June 2010 |url-status=live}} Flight tests of their integrated modular avionics started in 2017 on a fiber optic networked multicore processor system.{{cite news |url=http://www.defenseworld.net/news/19061/Russia_Starts_Flight_Tests_Of_Next_Gen_Integrated_Avionics_Suite_Of_PAK_FA_Fighter_Jet |title=Russia Starts Flight Tests Of Next-Gen Integrated Avionics Suite Of PAK-FA Fighter Jet |date=20 April 2017 |website=www.defenseworld.net |publisher=Digitalwriters Media Pvt. Ltd. |access-date=20 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420175146/http://www.defenseworld.net/news/19061/Russia_Starts_Flight_Tests_Of_Next_Gen_Integrated_Avionics_Suite_Of_PAK_FA_Fighter_Jet |archive-date=20 April 2017 |url-status=live}} The system is not without faults. In December 2020, a malfunction with the computer flight control system caused the first production Su-57 to crash.{{cite news|url=https://tass.ru/proisshestviya/7418655|title=Источник: упавший в Хабаровском крае Су-57 самопроизвольно вошел в спираль|publisher=TASS|date=25 December 2019|access-date=25 December 2019|language=ru|archive-date=25 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225034319/https://tass.ru/proisshestviya/7418655|url-status=live}}

An automatic software response to an overheat condition apparently has contributed to a crash of an F-22.{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2011-dec-19-la-fi-fighter-jet-down-20111220-story.html |title=Fatal problems plague the U.S.' costliest fighter jet |work=Los Angeles Times |first=W. J. |last=Hennigan |date=19 December 2011 |access-date=13 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306021645/http://articles.latimes.com/2011/dec/19/business/la-fi-fighter-jet-down-20111220 |archive-date=6 March 2016 |url-status=live}} Issues with the avionics also contributed to an F-35A crash in 2020.{{cite web |title=United States Air Force Aircraft Accident Investigation Board Report |url=https://www.afjag.af.mil/Portals/77/AIB-Reports/2020/May/Eglin%20AFB%20F35A%20AIB%20Report_Signed.pdf |access-date=26 October 2020 |archive-date=12 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012024653/https://www.afjag.af.mil/Portals/77/AIB-Reports/2020/May/Eglin%20AFB%20F35A%20AIB%20Report_Signed.pdf |url-status=dead }}

The F-35 uses software-defined radio systems, in which common middleware controls field-programmable gate arrays. Col. Arthur Tomassetti has said that the F-35 is a "software intensive airplane and software is easy to upgrade, as opposed to hardware."{{cite news |url=http://marines.dodlive.mil/2012/07/11/an-inside-look-at-the-f-35-lightning-ii/ |title=An Inside Look at the F-35 Lightning II |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |first=Chelsea |last=Flowers |date=11 July 2012 |access-date=21 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130909170622/http://marines.dodlive.mil/2012/07/11/an-inside-look-at-the-f-35-lightning-ii/ |archive-date=9 September 2013 }}

In order to ease the addition of new software features, the F-35 has adopted a kernel and application separation of security responsibilities.{{cite news |url=http://www.aviationtoday.com/av/communications/Wind-River-Powers-F-35-Communications-in-Flight-Test_81874.html |title=Wind River Powers F-35 Communications in Flight Test |work=Avionics |publisher=Aviation Today |first=Woodrow III |last=Bellamy |date=11 April 2014 |access-date=11 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413141954/http://www.aviationtoday.com/av/communications/Wind-River-Powers-F-35-Communications-in-Flight-Test_81874.html |archive-date=13 April 2014 |url-status=live}}

Steve O'Bryan of Lockheed Martin has said that the F-35 may gain the ability to operate UAVs through a future software upgrade.{{cite news |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2014/05/13/f-35-the-future-for-the-worlds-most-advanced-aircraft.html |title=The US jet fighter that can do it all—maybe |work=CNBC |first=Jane |last=Wells |date=13 May 2014 |access-date=14 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928053529/http://www.cnbc.com/2014/05/13/f-35-the-future-for-the-worlds-most-advanced-aircraft.html |archive-date=28 September 2015 |url-status=live}} The USN is already planning to place its Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike system under the control of a manned aircraft, to act as a flying missile magazine.{{cite news |url=http://news.usni.org/2014/02/13/navys-uclass-air-air-fighter |title=Navy's UCLASS Could Be Air to Air Fighter |work=USNI News |publisher=U.S. Naval Institute |first=Dave |last=Majumdar |date=13 February 2014 |access-date=14 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302122758/http://news.usni.org/2014/02/13/navys-uclass-air-air-fighter |archive-date=2 March 2014 |url-status=live}}

{{Main|Situation awareness}}

The combination of stealthy airframes, stealthy sensors, and stealthy communications is designed to allow fifth-generation fighters to engage other aircraft before those targets are aware of their presence.{{cite news |url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/23020557/stealth-jet-in-class-of-its-own/ |title=Stealth jet 'in class of its own' |work=The West Australian |first=Geoffrey |last=Thomas |date=28 April 2014 |access-date=27 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140428063546/https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/23020557/stealth-jet-in-class-of-its-own/ |archive-date=28 April 2014 |url-status=live}} Lt. Col. Gene McFalls of the USAF has said that sensor fusion will feed into inventory databases to precisely identify aircraft at a distance.{{cite news |url=http://intercepts.defensenews.com/2014/10/the-difference-between-4th-and-5th-gen-ew/ |title=The Difference Between 4th and 5th Gen EW |work=Defense News |series=Intercepts |first=Aaron |last=Mehta |date=13 October 2014 |access-date=14 October 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141014225339/http://intercepts.defensenews.com/2014/10/the-difference-between-4th-and-5th-gen-ew/ |archive-date=14 October 2014 }}

Sensor fusion and automatic target tracking are projected to give the fifth-generation jet fighter pilot a view of the battlespace superior to that of legacy AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft that may be forced back from the front lines by increasing threats. Therefore, tactical control could be shifted forwards to the pilots in the fighters.{{cite news |url=http://www.sldinfo.com/shaping-a-new-con-ops-the-impact-of-the-f-22-and-f-35/ |title=Shaping a New Con-ops: The Impact of the F-22 and F-35 |work=Second Line of Defense |date=5 November 2010 |access-date=13 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323011551/http://www.sldinfo.com/shaping-a-new-con-ops-the-impact-of-the-f-22-and-f-35/ |archive-date=23 March 2016 }} Michael Wynne, former Secretary of the United States Air Force, has suggested elimination of the Boeing E-3 Sentry and Northrop Grumman E-8 Joint STARS in favor of more F-35s, simply because so much effort is being made by the Russians and Chinese to target these platforms that are built to commercial airliner standards.{{cite news |url=http://www.dodbuzz.com/2011/01/31/scrap-awacs-jstars-plough-dough-into-f-35/ |title=Scrap AWACS, JSTARS; Plough Dough Into F-35, Wynne Says |work=DoD Buzz |publisher=Military.com |first=Colin |last=Clark |date=31 January 2011 |access-date=31 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110203030636/http://www.dodbuzz.com/2011/01/31/scrap-awacs-jstars-plough-dough-into-f-35/ |archive-date=3 February 2011 }}

However, the more powerful sensors, such as AESA radar which is able to operate in multiple modes at the same time, may present too much information for the single pilot in the F-22, F-35 and Su-57 to adequately use. The Sukhoi/HAL FGFA offered a return to the two-seat configuration common in fourth generation strike fighters, but this was rejected over cost concerns.{{cite news |url=http://aviationweek.com/awin/rivals-target-jsf |title=Rivals Target JSF |publisher=Defense Technology International |work=Aviation Week |first=Bill |last=Sweetman |date=30 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819135759/http://aviationweek.com/awin/rivals-target-jsf |archive-date=19 August 2016 |access-date=13 March 2016 |url-status=live}}

There is ongoing research to apply track-before-detect across sensor fusion in the core CPU to allow fifth-generation fighters to engage targets that no single sensor has by itself detected.{{cite web |url=http://www.navysbir.com/11_1/74.htm |title=EO/IR Multi-Sensor Fusion Tracker Algorithm |work=Navy SBIR |date=2011 |access-date=24 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413143549/http://www.navysbir.com/11_1/74.htm |archive-date=13 April 2014 }} Probability theory is used to determine "what data to believe, when to believe and how much to believe".{{cite news |url=https://www.f35.com/in-depth/detail/elite-engineering-the-brain-of-the-f-35 |title=Elite Engineering: The Brain of the F-35 |website=F35.com |publisher=Lockheed Martin |date=14 April 2015 |access-date=24 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404130250/https://www.f35.com/in-depth/detail/elite-engineering-the-brain-of-the-f-35 |archive-date=4 April 2016 |url-status=live}}

These sensors produce too much data for the onboard computers to fully process so sensor fusion is achieved by comparing what is observed against preloaded threat libraries that contain known enemy capabilities for a given region.{{cite news |url=http://breakingdefense.com/2015/03/threat-data-biggest-worry-for-f-35as-ioc-but-it-will-be-on-time/ |title=Threat Data Biggest Worry For F-35A's IOC; But It 'Will Be on Time' |website=BreakingDefense.com |publisher=Breaking Media |last=Clark |first=Colin |date=11 March 2015 |access-date=7 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317011900/http://breakingdefense.com/2015/03/threat-data-biggest-worry-for-f-35as-ioc-but-it-will-be-on-time/ |archive-date=17 March 2015 |url-status=live}} Items that do not match known threats are not even displayed.{{cite news |url=http://breakingdefense.com/2016/11/f-22-f-35-outsmart-test-ranges-awacs/ |title=F-22, F-35 Outsmart Test Ranges, AWACS |work=Breaking Defense | first=Sydney J. Jr. | last=Freedberg |date=7 November 2016 |access-date=9 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109181932/http://breakingdefense.com/2016/11/f-22-f-35-outsmart-test-ranges-awacs/ |archive-date=9 November 2016 |url-status=live}}

{{main|network-centric warfare|Cooperative Engagement Capability}}

Gilmary M. Hostage III has suggested that fifth-generation jet fighters will operate together in a "combat cloud" along with future unmanned combat aircraft,{{cite news |url=http://breakingdefense.com/2013/01/why-the-air-force-needs-a-lot-of-f-35s-gen-hostage-on-the-com/ |title=Why Air Force Needs Lots of F-35s: Gen. Hostage on The 'Combat Cloud' |work=Breaking Defense |first=Robbin |last=Laird |date=10 January 2013 |access-date=13 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331221725/http://breakingdefense.com/2013/01/why-the-air-force-needs-a-lot-of-f-35s-gen-hostage-on-the-com/ |archive-date=31 March 2016 |url-status=live}} and Michael Manazir has suggested that this might come as quickly as loading a UCLASS with AMRAAMs to be launched at the command of an F-35.{{cite news |url=http://news.usni.org/2013/12/23/navy-uclass-will-stealthy-tomcat-size |title=Navy: UCLASS Will be Stealthy and 'Tomcat Size' |work=USNI News |publisher=U.S. Naval Institute |first1=Dave |last1=Majumdar |first2=Sam |last2=LaGrone |date=23 December 2013 |access-date=10 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111003244/http://news.usni.org/2013/12/23/navy-uclass-will-stealthy-tomcat-size |archive-date=11 January 2014 |url-status=live}}

{{Timeline of release years

| title = Introduction timeline

| range1 = 2005 –

| range1_color = #212121 #e0e0e0

| 2005 = {{Flagicon|United States}} F-22A Raptor

| 2015 = {{Flagicon|United States}} F-35B Lightning II

| 2016 = {{Flagicon|United States}} F-35A Lightning II

| 2017a = {{Flagicon|China}} Chengdu J-20

| 2017b = {{Flagicon|United States}} F-35I "Adir" Lightning II

| 2019 = {{Flagicon|United States}} F-35C Lightning II

| 2020 = {{Flagicon|Russia}} Sukhoi Su-57

| 2024a = {{Flagicon|China}} Shenyang J-35

| 2024b = {{Flagicon|China}} Chengdu J-20S

| TBAa = {{Flagicon|South Korea}} KF-21EX

| TBAb = {{Flagicon|Turkey}} TAI TF-X Kaan

| TBAc = {{Flagicon|Russia}} Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate

| TBAd = {{Flagicon|India}} HAL AMCA}}

Prototypes and concept demonstrators built by American manufacturers included the Lockheed YF-22 – 1990 (2 built), Northrop YF-23 – 1990 (2 built) for the Advanced Tactical Fighter program, Boeing Bird of Prey – 1996 (1 built), McDonnell Douglas X-36 – 1997 (2 scale models built), the Lockheed Martin X-35 – 2000 (2 built) and Boeing X-32 – 2001 (2 built) for the Joint Strike Fighter program.

File:F-22 Raptor edit1 (cropped).jpg]]

Previous-generation radar low observable (LO) aircraft, also referred to as stealth aircraft, such as the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit bomber and Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk ground attack aircraft were not designed for air to air combat, lacking the active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, low probability of intercept (LPI) data networks, aerial performance, and air-to-air weapons necessary to engage other aircraft.{{cite book |title=Ultimate Fighter: Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter |publisher=Zenith |first=Bill |last=Sweetman |page=133 |date=2004 |isbn=978-0-7603-1792-1}} In the early 1970s, various American design projects identified stealth, speed, and maneuverability as key characteristics of a next-generation air-to-air combat aircraft. This led to the Request for Information for the Advanced Tactical Fighter project in May 1981, which resulted in the F-22.{{cite web |url=http://www.codeonemagazine.com/article.html?item_id=40 |title=F-22 Raptor Design Evolution, Part I |work=Code One |publisher=Lockheed Martin |first=Eric |last=Hehs |date=15 May 1998 |access-date=20 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110115052217/http://www.codeonemagazine.com/article.html?item_id=40 |archive-date=15 January 2011 |url-status=live}}

File:F-35A flight (cropped).jpg]]

The USMC is leveraging the USAF's experience with "fifth-generation air warfare" in the F-22, as they develop their own tactics for the F-35.{{cite news |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usmc-hopes-to-leverage-usafs-f-22-experience-when-deploying-f-35b-374565/ |title=USMC hopes to leverage USAF's F-22 experience when deploying F-35B |work=FlightGlobal |first=Dave |last=Majumdar |date=20 July 2012 |access-date=20 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724002659/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usmc-hopes-to-leverage-usafs-f-22-experience-when-deploying-f-35b-374565/ |archive-date=24 July 2012 |url-status=live}}

According to Lockheed Martin in 2004, the only fifth-generation jet fighter then in operational service was their own F-22 Raptor.{{cite web |url=http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/history/q0182.shtml |title=Fighter Generations |website=Aerospaceweb.org |first=Joe |last=Yoon |date=27 June 2004 |access-date=3 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010113505/http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/history/q0182.shtml |archive-date=10 October 2008 |url-status=live}} Lockheed Martin uses "fifth-generation fighter" to describe the F-22 and F-35 fighters, with the definition including "advanced stealth", "extreme performance", "information fusion" and "advanced sustainment".{{cite web |url=http://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/dam/lockheed/data/aero/documents/f-35/collateral/2012%20update/F-35_Defining%20the%20Future.pdf|title=F-35 Lightning II: Defining the Future |publisher=Lockheed Martin |date=2012 |access-date=9 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907030858/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/dam/lockheed/data/aero/documents/f-35/collateral/2012%20update/F-35_Defining%20the%20Future.pdf|archive-date=7 September 2012 |url-status=live}} For unknown reasons, their definition no longer includes supercruise capability, which has typically been associated with the more advanced modern fighters, but which the F-35 lacks.{{cite web |url=http://www.jsf.mil/contact/con_faqs.htm |title=Contact: JSF FAQ |website=JSF.mil |publisher=The Pentagon |quote=No, neither the F135 or F136 engines were designed to supercruise. |access-date=23 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100801043341/http://www.jsf.mil/contact/con_faqs.htm |archive-date=1 August 2010 }} Lockheed Martin attempted to trademark the term "5th generation fighters" in association with jet aircraft and structural parts thereof,{{cite web |url=http://tsdr.uspto.gov#caseNumber=78885922&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch |title=Trademark serial number 78885922: Fifth-generation fighters |publisher=United States Patent and Trademark Office |access-date=13 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513234541/http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=85530375&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch |archive-date=13 May 2013 }} and has a trademark for a logo with the term.{{cite web |url=http://tsdr.uspto.gov#caseNumber=78896843&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch |title=Trademark serial number 78896843: Fifth-generation fighters wordmark |publisher=United States Patent and Trademark Office |access-date=13 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513234541/http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=85530375&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch |archive-date=13 May 2013 }}

The definition of the term fifth-generation fighter from Lockheed Martin has been criticized by companies whose products do not conform to these particular specifications, such as Boeing and Eurofighter, and by other commentators such as Bill Sweetman:{{cite news |url=http://www.defencetalk.com/eurofighter-5th-generation-the-debate-heats-up-27579/ |title=Eurofighter, 5th Generation; the Debate Heats up |website=DefenceTalk.com |date=20 July 2010 |access-date=9 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505131456/https://www.defencetalk.com/eurofighter-5th-generation-the-debate-heats-up-27579/ |archive-date=5 May 2015 |url-status=live}} "it is misleading to portray the F-22 and F-35 as a linear evolution in fighter design. Rather, they are a closely related pair of outliers, relying on a higher level of stealth as a key element of survivability – as the Lockheed YF-12 and Mikoyan MiG-25, in the 1960s, relied on speed and altitude."{{cite journal |url=http://www.zinio.com/reader.jsp?issue=416108193 |title=Editorial Insight |journal=Defense Technology International |first=Bill |last=Sweetman |page=50 |date=December 2009 |access-date=2 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117030224/http://www.zinio.com/reader.jsp?issue=416108193 |archive-date=17 November 2015 }}

The United States Navy and Boeing have placed the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in a "next generation" fighter category along with the F-22 and F-35,{{cite news |url=http://www.stratpost.com/fa-18-as-good-as-5th-gen-us-navy |title=F/A-18 as good as 5th gen: US Navy |work=StratPost |first=Saurabh |last=Joshi |date=16 June 2010 |access-date=16 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100622031854/http://www.stratpost.com/fa-18-as-good-as-5th-gen-us-navy |archive-date=22 June 2010 |url-status=live}} as the Super Hornet has a "fifth-generation" AESA radar, modest radar cross-section (RCS) reductions and sensor fusion.{{cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/defence/bridging-fighter-packs-quite-a-punch/story-e6frg8yo-1225940224669 |title='Bridging fighter' packs quite a punch |series=National Affairs |work=The Australian |first=Gregor |last=Ferguson |date=23 October 2010 |access-date=22 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808183326/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/defence/bridging-fighter-packs-quite-a-punch/story-e6frg8yo-1225940224669 |archive-date=8 August 2014 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/navydata/aircraft/fa18/shornet.html |title=F/A18-E/F Super Hornet .... Leading Naval Aviation into the 21st Century |publisher=U.S. Navy |date=17 August 2009 |access-date=22 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110226085722/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/aircraft/fa18/shornet.html |archive-date=26 February 2011 |url-status=dead}} A senior USAF pilot has complained about fifth-generation claims for the Super Hornet: "The whole point to fifth generation is the synergy of stealth, fusion and complete situational awareness. The point about fifth-generation aircraft is that they can do their mission anywhere – even in sophisticated integrated air defense [IADS] environments. If you fly into heavy IADS with a great radar and sensor fusion, but no stealth, you will have complete situational awareness of the guy that kills you."{{cite news |url=http://aviationweek.com/awin/super-hornet-radar-not-ready-combat-evaluation-says |title=Super Hornet radar not ready for combat, evaluation says |work=Aerospace Daily & Defense Report |publisher=Aviation Week |first=David A. |last=Fulghum |date=12 March 2007 |access-date=9 June 2015 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126120814/http://aviationweek.com/awin/super-hornet-radar-not-ready-combat-evaluation-says |archive-date=26 January 2016 |url-status=live}} Michael "Ponch" Garcia of Raytheon has said that the addition of their AESA radars to the Super Hornet provides "90 percent of your fifth-generation capability at half the cost."{{cite news |url=http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=258 |title=Joint Strike Fighter Delayed? Not a Big Deal for the U.S. Navy |work=National Defense |publisher=National Defense Industrial Association |first=Sandra |last=Erwin |date=24 November 2010 |access-date=24 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120613021817/http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=258 |archive-date=13 June 2012 }} And a top Boeing official has called their newest 4.5 generation fighters "stealth killers".{{cite news |url=http://www.dodbuzz.com/2012/01/03/boeings-iron-eagles-part-2/ |title=Boeing's iron Eagles, part 2 |work=DoD Buzz |publisher=Military.com |first=Philip |last=Ewing |date=3 January 2012 |access-date=4 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109123141/http://www.dodbuzz.com/2012/01/03/boeings-iron-eagles-part-2/ |archive-date=9 January 2012 }}

File:J-20 at CCAS2022 (20220827103424).jpg, introduced in 2017]]

File:J-35A Zhuhai Airshow 2024.png flying at Zhuhai Airshow 2024]]

China has two stealth fighter aircraft, Chengdu J-20 and Shenyang J-35, both classified as fifth-generation fighter by United States Department of Defense and Defense Intelligence Agency.{{cite web |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/pentagon-china-upgrades-top-stealth-fighter/ |title=Pentagon: China Working on Upgrades to Top Stealth Fighter, Manned-Unmanned Teaming |website=Air Force Magazine |date=24 October 2023 |first=John |last=A. Tirpak |access-date=29 December 2023 |archive-date=22 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222203949/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/pentagon-china-upgrades-top-stealth-fighter/ |url-status=live }}{{cite report|url=https://www.dia.mil/Portals/110/Images/News/Military_Powers_Publications/China_Military_Power.pdf |title=2019 China Military Power |work=Defense Intelligence Agency |date=2019 }}

By the late 1990s, several Chinese fifth-generation fighter programs, grouped under the program codename J-XX or XXJ, were identified by western intelligence sources. PLAAF officials have confirmed the existence of such a program, which they estimated would enter service between 2017 and 2019.{{cite news |url=http://news.ifeng.com/mil/2/200911/1109_340_1426743.shtml |title=中国空军副司令首曝：国产第四代战机即将首飞 |trans-title=Chinese Air Force deputy commander on first exposure: Domestic upcoming fourth-generation fighter first flight |language=zh |work=Phoenix Television News |date=9 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091112184628/http://news.ifeng.com/mil/2/200911/1109_340_1426743.shtml |archive-date=12 November 2009}}{{cite video |url=http://space.tv.cctv.com/video/VIDE1257691556223886 |title=[面对面]何为荣：剑啸长空 |trans-title=[Face to face] He Weirong: Swordsman of the sky |language=zh |publisher=CCTV |date=8 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100126025452/http://space.tv.cctv.com/video/VIDE1257691556223886 |archive-date=26 January 2010}} By late 2010, two prototypes of the Chengdu J-20 had been constructed and were undergoing high-speed taxi trials.{{cite web |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3acaf36660-d425-4fbc-a284-008017b2b444&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest |title=China's Stealth Striker |work=Aviation Week |first=Bill |last=Sweetman |date=27 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007200157/http://www.aviationweek.com/Blogs.aspx?plckBlogId=Blog%3A27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3A27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3Acaf36660-d425-4fbc-a284-008017b2b444 |archive-date=7 October 2012 }} The J-20 made its first flight on 11 January 2011.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-12159571 |title=China conducts first test-flight of stealth plane |work=BBC News |date=11 January 2011 |access-date=21 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812152720/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-12159571 |archive-date=12 August 2018 |url-status=live}} On 26 December 2015, a new J-20 with serial number 2101 was seen leaving its Chengdu Aviation Corporation factory. It is believed to be the first of the low rate initial production (LRIP) aircraft.{{cite news |url=http://www.popsci.com/chinese-stealth-fighter-j-20-starts-production |title=Chinese Stealth Fighter J-20 Starts Production |work=Popular Science |first1=Jeffrey |last1=Lin |first2=P. W. |last2=Singer |date=28 December 2015 |access-date=16 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708180406/http://www.popsci.com/chinese-stealth-fighter-j-20-starts-production |archive-date=8 July 2016 |url-status=live}} 2101 conducted its maiden flight on 18 January 2016.{{cite news |url=http://www.popsci.com/china-stays-ahead-in-asian-stealth-race |title=China Stays Ahead in Asian Stealth Race |work=Popular Science |first1=Jeffrey |last1=Lin |first2=P. W. |last2=Singer |date=3 February 2016 |access-date=16 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713032403/http://www.popsci.com/china-stays-ahead-in-asian-stealth-race |archive-date=13 July 2016 |url-status=live}}

The J-20 officially entered training unit service in March 2017, becoming the first operational stealth fighter outside of the United States and in Asia.{{cite news |title=With the J20 stealth fighter in fully operation service, China leaps ahead in Asian arms race |url=http://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/with-the-j20-stealth-fighter-in-fully-operational-military-service-china-leaps-ahead-in-asian-arms-race/news-story/d5a65bfd8da252a1bb0240026591d575 |work=Australian News |date=20 October 2017 |language=en |access-date=4 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226131148/http://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/with-the-j20-stealth-fighter-in-fully-operational-military-service-china-leaps-ahead-in-asian-arms-race/news-story/d5a65bfd8da252a1bb0240026591d575 |archive-date=26 February 2018 |url-status=live}} The J-20 underwent testing and exercises in late 2017,{{cite news |url=https://www.janes.com/article/77052/china-s-j-20-fighter-aircraft-takes-part-in-its-first-combat-exercise-says-report |title=China's J-20 fighter aircraft takes part in its first combat exercise, says report |work=Jane's 360 |first=Gabriel |last=Dominguez |date=15 January 2018 |access-date=27 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812151805/https://www.janes.com/article/77052/china-s-j-20-fighter-aircraft-takes-part-in-its-first-combat-exercise-says-report |archive-date=12 August 2018 |url-status=live}} and was inducted into PLAAF combat units in 2018.{{cite web |last1=Joe |first1=Rick |title=China's J-20 Stealth Fighter Today and Into the 2020s |url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/08/chinas-j-20-stealth-fighter-today-and-into-the-2020s/ |website=The Diplomat |date=16 August 2019 |access-date=24 September 2020 |archive-date=19 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919170123/https://thediplomat.com/2019/08/chinas-j-20-stealth-fighter-today-and-into-the-2020s/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.janes.com/article/77794/plaaf-inducts-j-20-into-combat-units |title=PLAAF inducts J-20 into combat units |work=Jane's 360 |first=Gabriel |last=Dominguez |date=12 February 2018 |access-date=27 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731213419/https://www.janes.com/article/77794/plaaf-inducts-j-20-into-combat-units |archive-date=31 July 2018 }}

Another stealth fighter design from SAC started to circulate on the internet in September 2011.{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2011/09/imgages-shenyang-f-60-ucav-ste.html |title=Shenyang "F-60", UCAV stealth models revealed? |series=The DEW Line |work=Flightglobal.com |first=Stephen |last=Trimble |date=29 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001141311/http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2011/09/imgages-shenyang-f-60-ucav-ste.html |archive-date=1 October 2011}} In June 2012, photos about a possible prototype of F-60 being transferred on highway began to emerge on the internet.{{cite news |url=http://theaviationist.com/2012/06/22/l-15/ |title=New Chinese fighter revealed? |work=The Aviationist |first=David |last=Cenciotti |date=22 June 2012 |access-date=13 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220142234/http://theaviationist.com/2012/06/22/l-15/ |archive-date=20 February 2016 |url-status=live}} This aircraft was named Shenyang FC-31 later, and made its maiden flight on 31 October 2012.{{cite news |url=http://www.cjdby.net/redianzhuizong/2012-10-30/military-1161.html |title=中国第二款隐形战机成功首飞 |trans-title=China's second stealth fighter article successful maiden flight |language=zh |website=CJDBY.net |date=31 October 2012 |access-date=31 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121220012118/http://www.cjdby.net/redianzhuizong/2012-10-30/military-1161.html |archive-date=20 December 2012 }} A more refined version of the FC-31 is dubbed "J-35".{{cite web | url=https://theaviationist.com/2021/10/29/j-35-first-flight/ | title=China's New Carrier-Based Stealth Fighter Makes First Flight | date=29 October 2021 | access-date=15 June 2023 | archive-date=9 June 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609115746/https://theaviationist.com/2021/10/29/j-35-first-flight/ | url-status=live }}

File:Sukhoi Design Bureau, 054, Sukhoi Su-57 (49581303977).jpg prototype of the Russian Air Force |alt=]]

File:Vladimir Putin in MAKS Airshow 2021 12.jpg at the MAKS Airshow 2021]]

Technology demonstrators included the Mikoyan Project 1.44 – 1998 (1 built) and Su-47 – 1997 (1 built).

In the late 1980s, the Soviet Union outlined the need for a next-generation aircraft to replace its fourth-generation jet fighters, the Mikoyan MiG-29 and Sukhoi Su-27, in front line service. To meet the characteristics for the next-generation aircraft, work was underway on two aircraft projects: the twin-engined delta canard Sukhoi Su-47 with forward-swept wings and the Mikoyan Project 1.44. However, due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union and lack of funds, both remained only as technology demonstrators.

After 2000, the Russian Defence Ministry initiated a new fighter competition known as "PAK FA" ({{langx|ru|ПАК ФА}}, {{langx|ru|label=short for|Перспективный авиационный комплекс фронтовой авиации|Perspektivny Aviatsionny Kompleks Frontovoy Aviatsii|'Prospective aeronautical complex of front-line air forces'}}) to develop a next-generation fighter for the Russian Air Force, with Sukhoi and MiG as the main competitors. Sukhoi came up with its heavier, two-engine T-50 proposal (now Sukhoi Su-57) while Mikoyan proposed a light, single-engine Mikoyan LMFS design, based on the former MiG-1.44 project.{{cite web |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/lmfs.htm |title=Liogkiy Mnogofunktsionalniy Frontovoi Samolyet (LMFS) |trans-title=Light Multi-Function Frontal Aircraft |website=GlobalSecurity.org |access-date=19 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100218152906/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/lmfs.htm |archive-date=18 February 2010 |url-status=live}} Sukhoi won the competition and in 2002, it was selected to lead the development of Russia's next-generation fighter based on the T-50 design. Later development of the multirole Mikoyan LMFS were continued from MiG funding.{{cite journal |url=http://www.ato.ru/content/migs-fifth-generation-fighter-builds-new-momentum |title=MiG's Fifth Generation Fighter Builds up New Momentum |journal=Russia & CIS Observer |first=Petr |last=Butovskiy |volume=15 |issue=4 |date=November 2006 |access-date=18 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403163937/http://www.ato.ru/content/migs-fifth-generation-fighter-builds-new-momentum |archive-date=3 April 2019 |url-status=live}} However Mikoyan LMFS program was also cancelled and replaced by similar Sukhoi Checkmate program.

Russia's first fifth-generation aircraft, the Sukhoi Su-57, will replace its aging MiG-29s and Su-27s.{{cite news |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/India+Russia+to+have+different+versions+of+same+fighter+plane/1/16398.html |title=India, Russia to have different versions of same fighter plane |work=India Today |first=Sandeep |last=Unnithan |date=29 September 2008 |access-date=13 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501000241/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/India+Russia+to+have+different+versions+of+same+fighter+plane/1/16398.html |archive-date=1 May 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2009/01/16/Russia-bets-on-new-Sukhoi-fighter-to-match-F-35/UPI-93841232131619/ |title=Russia bets on new Sukhoi fighter to match F-35 |work=United Press International |first=Ariel |last=Cohen |date=16 January 2009 |access-date=5 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205081345/http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2009/01/16/Russia-bets-on-new-Sukhoi-fighter-to-match-F-35/UPI-93841232131619 |archive-date=5 February 2010 |url-status=live}} The Su-57 first flew on 29 January 2010. The first production Su-57 was delivered to the Russian Air Force on 25 December 2020.{{cite news |url=https://tass.com/defense/1239789 |title=First batch-produced Su-57 delivered to regiment in Southern Military District — source|agency=TASS |date=25 December 2020 |access-date=25 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228085418/https://tass.com/defense/1239789 |archive-date=28 December 2020 |url-status=live}}

The Mikoyan PAK DP is another proposed fifth-generation fighter, being developed to replace the MiG-31.{{cite web|url= https://www.ruaviation.com/news/2014/3/5/2209/?h|title=A new MiG-41 aircraft may be developed on the basis of MiG-31 fighter-interceptor|website=RU aviation |access-date=2017-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831214326/https://www.ruaviation.com/news/2014/3/5/2209/?h|archive-date=2017-08-31|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/mig-41-russias-wants-build-super-6th-generation-fighter-20064|title=MiG-41: Russia Wants to Build a Super 6th Generation Fighter|website=National Interest |date=6 April 2017|access-date= 2017-04-14|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170414233231/http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/mig-41-russias-wants-build-super-6th-generation-fighter-20064|archive-date=2017-04-14|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.altair.com.pl/news/view?news_id=23148 |title=Armia-2017: Informacje o MiG-41|date=25 August 2017|publisher= Altair Agencja Lotnicza|language= pl|access-date=28 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828232746/http://www.altair.com.pl/news/view?news_id=23148|archive-date=28 August 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ruaviation.com/news/2016/1/25/4782/|title=Russia Developing Space Age Fighter Jet |work=Russian Aviation |access-date=2018-08-31|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180726145032/https://www.ruaviation.com/news/2016/1/25/4782/|archive-date=2018-07-26|url-status=live}}

The project began in 2010, and "According to Russian news reports, the MiG-41 will be equipped with stealth technology, reach a speed of Mach 4–4.3, carry anti-satellite missiles, and be able to perform tasks in Arctic and near-space environments."[https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/01/29/is-russias-defense-industry-too-busy-to-take-on-another-fighter-jet-project/ Is Russia's defense industry too busy to take on another fighter jet project?], Defense News, 2021. (Retrieved January 2021).

Russia unveiled a prototype of the single-engine Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate Light Tactical Aircraft in July 2021 at the biennial MAKS (air show), with maiden flight initially expected in 2023 (subsequently delayed to at least 2024). The fighter is mainly designed for export and is expected to be less costly than 2-engine competitors.{{Cite web|date=2021-07-20|title=Putin hails Russia's air power as new fighter goes on view|website=Associated Press|url=https://apnews.com/article/technology-europe-business-russia-14f649c0a20dfca9136bdf07fddb253b|access-date=2021-07-20|agency=AP|language=en|archive-date=20 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720134037/https://apnews.com/article/technology-europe-business-russia-14f649c0a20dfca9136bdf07fddb253b|url-status=live}}

File:IMG-TAI-TFX.jpg prototype during the runway tests at TAI's facilities in Ankara, on March 17, 2023]]

The TAI TF-X Kaan,{{cite news |title=Turkey's Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet Kaan Makes Maiden Flight |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-21/turkey-s-fifth-generation-fighter-jet-kaan-makes-maiden-flight |access-date=24 February 2024 |work=Bloomberg |date=21 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221115043/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-21/turkey-s-fifth-generation-fighter-jet-kaan-makes-maiden-flight |url-status=live }} or in Turkish as {{lang|tr|Milli Muharip Uçak}} (MMU, National Combat Aircraft),{{cite news |last1=Iddon |first1=Paul |title=TF-X: Turkey Plans To Fly Its Homegrown Stealth Fighter In 2023 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/pauliddon/2023/01/12/tf-x-turkey-plans-to-fly-its-homegrown-stealth-fighter-in-2023-but-its-still-far-from-finished/?sh=1d66d50b7b72 |access-date=24 February 2024 |work=Forbes |date=12 January 2023 |language=en |archive-date=24 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224220955/https://www.forbes.com/sites/pauliddon/2023/01/12/tf-x-turkey-plans-to-fly-its-homegrown-stealth-fighter-in-2023-but-its-still-far-from-finished/?sh=1d66d50b7b72 |url-status=live }} is a stealth, twin-engine, all-weather, fifth generation air superiority fighter in development by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and BAE Systems as its sub-contractor. The TF-X is planned to replace the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft of the Turkish Air Force and to be exported to foreign states.{{cite news |last1=Yaylali |first1=Cem Devrim |last2=Ozberk |first2=Tayfun |title=Turkey's fifth-generation fighter plane takes off for maiden flight |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/02/21/turkeys-fifth-generation-fighter-plane-takes-off-for-maiden-flight/ |access-date=24 February 2024 |work=Defense News |date=21 February 2024 |language=en}}

Taxiing and ground running tests of the prototype began two days before the scheduled roll-out, on March 16, 2023.{{cite news |last1=Trevithick |first1=Joseph |title=Our First Full Look At Turkey's New TF-X Stealthy Fighter |url=https://www.twz.com/our-first-full-look-at-turkeys-new-tf-x-stealthy-fighter |access-date=19 March 2023 |work=The War Zone |date=17 March 2023 |language=en}}{{cite web|url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/milli-muharip-ucakin-piste-ciktigi-anlar/|title=Milli Muharip Uçak'ın piste çıktığı anlar|publisher=SavunmaSanayiST|author=Anıl Şahin|date=17 March 2023|access-date=18 March 2023|archive-date=18 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318063059/https://www.savunmasanayist.com/milli-muharip-ucakin-piste-ciktigi-anlar/|url-status=live}}

It was officially given the name "Kaan" on May 1, 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/iste-milli-muharip-ucakin-adi-kaan/|title=İşte Milli Muharip Uçak'ın Adı: KAAN|website=savunmasanayist.com|publisher=SavunmaSanayiST|date=1 May 2023|access-date=27 May 2023|archive-date=1 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501135941/https://www.savunmasanayist.com/iste-milli-muharip-ucakin-adi-kaan/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.trthaber.com/haber/gundem/milli-muharip-ucagin-adi-kaan-oldu-764020.html|title=Milli Muharip Uçağın adı KAAN oldu|publisher=TRT Haber|date=1 May 2023|access-date=27 May 2023|archive-date=1 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501135117/https://www.trthaber.com/haber/gundem/milli-muharip-ucagin-adi-kaan-oldu-764020.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aijvas-MPfQ|title=Turkish Stealth KAAN Fighter will Replace American F-16 Fighter jets|publisher=The Military Curiosity|date=2 May 2023|access-date=27 May 2023|archive-date=3 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503173907/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aijvas-MPfQ&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}}

On 21 February 2024, the first Kaan prototype took its 13-minute maiden flight, taking off from Mürted Airfield Command in Ankara, Turkey.{{cite news |title=Turkish fighter jet takes first flight as Ankara eyes Asian buyers |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Defense/Turkish-fighter-jet-takes-first-flight-as-Ankara-eyes-Asian-buyers |access-date=24 February 2024 |work=Nikkei Asia |date=21 February 2024 |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221160552/https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Defense/Turkish-fighter-jet-takes-first-flight-as-Ankara-eyes-Asian-buyers |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/turkiyes-5th-generation-fighter-jet-completes-first-flight/|title=Türkiye's 5th-generation fighter jet completes first flight|website=dailysabah.com|publisher=Daily Sabah|date=21 February 2024|access-date=21 February 2024|archive-date=21 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221195117/https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/turkiyes-5th-generation-fighter-jet-completes-first-flight/|url-status=live}} This prototype uses General Electric F110 engines, also used in the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon.

In June 2024, KAI announced plans to add internal weapon bays to its 4.5 generation KF-21 Boramae, as part of its KF-21EX 5th generation enhancement programme.{{Cite web |last=@DefSecAsia2020 |date=2024-06-23 |title=South Korea Develops Three Distinct Variants of KF-21 "Boramae" Fighter Jet |url=https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/south-korea-develops-three-distinct-variants-of-kf-21-boramae-fighter-jet/ |access-date=2024-07-17 |website=Defence Security Asia |language=en-GB |archive-date=17 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240717122101/https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/south-korea-develops-three-distinct-variants-of-kf-21-boramae-fighter-jet/ |url-status=live }}

India is independently developing a twin-engine fifth-generation supermaneuverable stealth multirole fighter, called the HAL Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). It is being developed and designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency and will be manufactured by a SPV with initial prototypes produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. As of 2022, the AMCA prototype is under construction, with a first flight of the prototype expected by 2025.{{Cite news|last=Kumar|first=Chethan|date=2021-02-10|title=Future fighters: Drone swarm, laser tech demo, AMCA nod likely this year|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/future-fighters-drone-swarm-laser-tech-demo-amca-nod-likely-this-year/articleshow/80792497.cms|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=2021-02-13}}{{cite news|last=Krishnan M|first=Anantha|date=20 February 2019|title=AMCA, India's first stealth fighter, likely to be airborne before 2025|work=Onmanorama|url=https://english.manoramaonline.com/news/nation/2019/02/19/india-stealth-fighter-project-amca.html|url-status=live|access-date=26 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090323/https://english.manoramaonline.com/news/nation/2019/02/19/india-stealth-fighter-project-amca.html|archive-date=27 March 2019}}{{Cite web |title=AMCA Enters Production Phase |date=18 March 2022 |url=https://eurasiantimes.com/awe-inspiring-indias-stealth-fighter-amca-gets-a-record-breaking/ |access-date=1 April 2022 |archive-date=8 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408120840/https://eurasiantimes.com/awe-inspiring-indias-stealth-fighter-amca-gets-a-record-breaking/ |url-status=live }}

In early 2018, India pulled out of the parallel project called FGFA, a fifth-generation derivative of the Sukhoi Su-57, which it alleged did not meet requirements for stealth, combat avionics, radars and sensors by that time.{{cite news|last1=Bedi|first1=Rahul|last2=Johnson|first2=Reuben F.|date=20 April 2018|title=India withdraws from FGFA project, leaving Russia to go it alone|work=Jane's 360|url=https://www.janes.com/article/79457/india-withdraws-from-fgfa-project-leaving-russia-to-go-it-alone|url-status=live|access-date=16 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107224910/https://www.janes.com/article/79457/india-withdraws-from-fgfa-project-leaving-russia-to-go-it-alone|archive-date=7 November 2018}} The completed FGFA was to include 43 improvements over the Su-57, including stealth, supercruise, advanced sensors, networking and combat avionics.{{cite news |url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2012-05-25/indias-version-sukhoi-t-50-delayed-two-years |title=India's Version of Sukhoi T-50 Delayed by Two Years |work=Aviation International News |first=Neelam |last=Mathews |date=25 May 2012 |access-date=13 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316054003/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2012-05-25/indias-version-sukhoi-t-50-delayed-two-years |archive-date=16 March 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://www.defenceaviation.com/2008/10/sukhoihal-fgfa-a-indian-stealth-fighter.html |title=Sukhoi/HAL FGFA an Indian Stealth Fighter |work=Defence Aviation |first=Larkins |last=Dsouza |date=27 October 2008 |access-date=28 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090902083432/http://www.defenceaviation.com/2008/10/sukhoihal-fgfa-a-indian-stealth-fighter.html |archive-date=2 September 2009 |url-status=live}}

Saab's Flygsystem 2020 is a program to develop a fifth generation fighter.

File:X-2 First Flight.jpg demonstrator]]

Japan developed a prototype of a stealth jet fighter called the Mitsubishi X-2 Shinshin, previously referred to as the ATD-X. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, Japan, seeking to replace its aging fleet of fighter aircraft, began making overtures to the United States on the topic of purchasing F-22 fighters for their own forces.{{cite news |url=http://www.defenceaviation.com/2008/01/mitsubishi-atd-x-shinshin-a-japanese-stealth-fighter.html |title=Mitsubishi ATD-X ShinShin a Japanese Stealth Fighter |work=Defence Aviation |first=Larkins |last=Dsouza |date=11 January 2008 |access-date=29 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090814125211/http://www.defenceaviation.com/2008/01/mitsubishi-atd-x-shinshin-a-japanese-stealth-fighter.html |archive-date=14 August 2009 |url-status=live}} However the U.S. Congress had banned the exporting of the aircraft in order to safeguard secrets of the aircraft's technology such as its extensive use of stealth; this rejection necessitated Japan's development of its own modern fighter, to be equipped with stealth features and other advanced systems.{{cite news |url=http://jsw.newpacificinstitute.org/?p=10931 |title=In Wake of F-22 Ban, Japan Forging Ties with Europe (With a Warning to America) |work=Japan Security Watch |first=Kyle |last=Mizokami |date=3 June 2013 |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818084234/http://jsw.newpacificinstitute.org/?p=10931 |archive-date=18 August 2018 |url-status=live}}

A mock-up of the X-2 Shinshin was constructed and used to study the radar cross section in France in 2009. The first prototype rolled out in July 2014 and the aircraft made its first flight on 22 April 2016. By July 2018, Japan had gleaned sufficient information, and decided that it would need to bring on international partners to complete this project. Several companies have responded.{{cite news |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a22093705/northrop-grumman-japans-fighter-jet/ |title=Now Northrop Grumman Wants to Build Japan's New Fighter Jet |work=Popular Mechanics |first=Kyle |last=Mizokami |date=10 July 2018 |access-date=15 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815091043/https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a22093705/northrop-grumman-japans-fighter-jet/ |archive-date=15 August 2018 |url-status=live}}

Japan has signed a contract with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to develop a sixth-generation fighter called Mitsubishi F-X.

• Air superiority fighter
• Jet fighter generations
• Fourth-generation jet fighter
• Sixth-generation jet fighter
• Stealth aircraft

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Cite book |last=Baker |first=David |year=2018 |title=Fifth Generation Fighters |publisher=Mortons Media Group}}

{{Jet Fighter Generations}}

Category:2000s aircraft

Category:2000s in technology

5th generation