The United States is considering reviving the light fighter concept in response to difficulties in its Next-Generation Fighter program, a move that has sparked fierce debate and called into question traditional air power strategy.
This month, The War Zone reported that U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Alvin unveiled a conceptual light fighter concept during a recent presentation at the Global Aerospace Command Chiefs of Staff meeting in London, sparking debate about the future of America's fighter fleet.
The Warzone notes that the concept, which resembles a scaled-down F-35, signals a shift from the Air Force's traditional hardware-centric approach to adaptable, software-centric aircraft.
The report said the move is in line with the U.S. Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative, which has faced heavy criticism over the high cost of sixth-generation stealth fighter jets, estimated at around $250 million per aircraft.
The Alvin concept places an emphasis on rapid software updates to maintain an advantage over adversaries, which could lead to more “disposable” manned fighter jets, according to the report.
The revelation coincides with the Air Force's reevaluation of the NGAD program, taking into account cost issues and the integration of Cooperative Combat Air (CCA) drones, it said.
The War Zone says the light fighter concept could signal a strategic shift towards a mixed fleet, one that balances high-performance capabilities with cost-effective solutions to counter rapidly evolving threats, particularly from China.
The report notes that the idea has resonances with a “high/low” fighter mix previously considered by the U.S. Air Force, as well as the possibility of new designs to replace its aging fleet of F-16 fighter jets.
As the Air Force navigates these complex challenges, a new light fighter concept could be key to bridging the gap between evolving threats and budgetary realities.
In June 2024, Asia Times reported that the U.S. Air Force is currently debating the future of air superiority and facing strategic and budgetary dilemmas, particularly regarding the aging F-22 Raptor and the development of NGAD.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has criticized the Air Force's fiscal year 2023 budget proposal for lacking detailed data on the impact of retiring aging F-22 fighter jets used for training.
The Air Force operates 32 Block 20 F-22s, but these have not been upgraded to the more advanced Block 30/35 versions. GAO has called for more comprehensive data to support its decision-making.
Meanwhile, the NGAD program faces uncertainty due to budget constraints, technical challenges and changing concepts of air superiority. The program’s future is in question, and Air Force officials are hesitant to continue it without a clear decision.
Additionally, the U.S. Air Force is considering a $22 billion upgrade to extend the life of its F-22 fighter fleet into the 2040s, despite concerns that the upgrade could render the aircraft obsolete once completed.
Adding to the rationale for reducing the cost of the light fighter, Harrison Kass wrote in The National Interest this month that the new light fighter concept aims to avoid the obsolescence facing the multi-billion-dollar platform by being “built to adapt” rather than “built to last.”
But Kass said the potential shift Alvin mentioned has surprised the aerospace industry, with some defense industry executives “confused by the decision.”
Alex Biegalski wrote in a February 2022 War on the Rocks article that light fighter aircraft could bridge the gap between manned and unmanned combat aircraft.
Biegalski noted that the concept of pairing a pilot with an autonomous drone aims to increase combat effectiveness while minimizing risks to the pilot.
He said the Air Force's advancement in developing teamed light fighter aircraft derived from advanced tactical trainers such as the Boeing T-7 could be a cost-effective solution to accelerate trust in autonomous systems and improve preparedness for future conflicts.
He noted that while light fighter jets may not be ideal for penetrating advanced air defenses, the possibility of controlling drone strike packages and providing critical support in established zones of air superiority highlights their strategic value.
Biegalski's comments may reflect a larger debate over the operational value of light fighter aircraft.
David Pappalardo writes in Varia magazine that proponents of light combat aircraft argue that these aircraft would provide sufficient fire support and surveillance while allowing more advanced fighters to enter high-intensity scenarios, reducing operating costs and extending the lifespan of more advanced aircraft.
Critics, on the other hand, worry that integrating light fighter jets could weaken the force structure, especially in competition with great powers that include China, he said. Opponents believe the focus should be on maintaining a fleet of advanced fighter jets ready for high-intensity combat to ensure strategic advantage, he noted.
Additionally, Pappalardo said proponents see the light fighter's potential to foster international cooperation with allies that lack modern fighter aircraft, but opponents are wary of the potential for strategic downgrades by diverting resources to light fighters, he said.
The Asia Times reported in May 2023 that Taiwan was actively seeking U.S. assistance in developing next-generation stealth fighter jets as it aims to close a large air power gap with China.
Speaking at a defense industry forum in Taipei, Hu Kai-hung, chairman of Taiwan's Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC), highlighted the request for support, including key technologies such as engines, avionics and control systems.
Given the U.S.’ reluctance to provide Taiwan with advanced military technology such as F-35 fighter jets, helping Taiwan acquire light fighter aircraft could be a viable solution to maintaining a credible air defense capability.
Brandon Weichert argues in a July 2024 TNI article that the sale of F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Taiwan has been criticized as a potentially dangerous move that could increase tensions with China and spark conflict.
He believes sending F-35s to Taiwan is unrealistic and provocative, and points out that it could potentially become a liability if supply chains are disrupted during a blockade.
Given U.S. reluctance to station advanced aircraft like the F-35 on Taiwan, the United States may opt to provide technical assistance to Taiwan's indigenous next-generation light fighter program that could replace or complement Taiwan's aging fleet of F-16s, Mirage 2000s, F-5s, and Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF).
