For four decades the concept of stealth has dominated Military Aviation defined as the ability to evade detection. From sleek designs to low observable coatings stealth has revolutionised aerial warfare. However the future of military tech might lie not in invisibility but in hyper connectivity.
Designers built the initial stealth aircrafts like F117 Nighthawk and F22 Raptor to penetrate deep into hostile airspace without detection but this capability came at the cost of communications. In order to maintain minimal radar signature these aircrafts must perform their operations in an electronically isolated environment which severely impact their situational awareness and effectiveness thus limiting their role in combat. According to many experts this could be the main reason behind reduction in previously planned number of F22 and the early retirement of F117 Nighthawk besides officially stated cost issues.
Ongoing projects like USA’s Next Generation Air Dominance NGAD program center on addressing the shortcomings of previous generation. NGAD represents the natural evolution beyond the F22 incorporating lessons learned from its design operations and combat experiences. While the F22 is unmatched in stealth air to air combat NGAD aims to expand upon these strengths while also integrating multi role capabilities for versatile mission profiles. The project aims to develop a variety of aerial platforms equipped with the latest advancements in technology, including artificial intelligence to achieve unmatched dominance in future conflicts. Planners expect these platforms to prioritise connectivity and interoperability enabling seamless integration with other assets across various domains of warfare.
The project is still under development and we can expect it to be operational beyond 2035. However various elements of its fundamental concept are already in place in shape of the F35 lightening II aircraft and it remains an integral part of the program. In addition to its exceptional situational awareness stealth and multirole capabilities it will be able to seamlessly operate with Semi Autonomous Unmanned and Manned Combat Aircrafts that engineers are developing under NGAD program.
Imagine a scenario where manned fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles are not isolated units but interconnected nodes in a vast information network. Sensors in their airframes feed real time data to a centralised AI which analyse threats coordinates manoeuvres and autonomously controls drones and onboard weapon systems. This is the concept of super connectivity and it has the potential to transform warfare as dramatically as stealth did.
So far USA is leading in developing these niche technologies but unlike stealth race USA does not find itself alone. Countries like China and Turkey are already in advance stages of indigenous next generation aerial warfare research and development. While China tends to maintain secrecy surrounding the progress of these systems Turkey has notably achieved significant milestones. Turkey has already developed two Semi Autonomous Unmanned Combat Aircrafts and is currently conducting flight tests for the prototype of its 5th generation KAAN aircraft. According to Turkish Aerospace Industries TAI KAAN will be as capable as F35 block 4 and will possess the capability to control and perform complex operations along with UCAS commonly known as loyal wingman drones.
The future of AI powered aerial technologies is promising. However there are also challenges associated with such complex technologies. Systems must securely transmit and process the vast amount of data generated on the battlefield. Cyberattacks could potentially disrupt entire networks resulting in disastrous consequences. And the extensive dependence on complex technology will create new logistical challenges.
Despite these challenges super connectivity is a powerful concept with the potential to revolutionise warfare. As technology continues to develop it is only a matter of time before militaries around the world start to field such concepts.
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