Possible alternatives to a manned sixth-generation combat jet include a more affordable “F-35 follow-on” aircraft capable of managing robot wingmen, according to the outgoing Air Force Secretary, Frank Kendall. This information was shared during a Center for Strategic & International Studies event on Monday, where Kendall highlighted the need for the incoming administration to decide the fate of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. The NGAD program was paused last year due to soaring cost projections.
Kendall indicated that a recent analysis suggested significant value in pursuing a crewed sixth-generation jet. He stated, “At the end of the day, the consensus…was largely that there is value in going ahead with this, and there’s some industrial base reasons to go ahead, but there are other priorities that we really need to fund first.” He explained that if the original plan for NGAD is not pursued, one alternative could be an “F-35 follow-on” that is less expensive and would serve as a manager for collaborative combat aircraft.
Another potential option for addressing similar mission areas involves focusing more on long-range strike capabilities, such as next-generation cruise missiles. Kendall described this approach as “relatively inexpensive” and something the Air Force could pursue regardless of the NGAD program’s status.
Additionally, the Air Force could continue procuring more F-35s while fully committing to drone technology—a strategy Kendall personally does not endorse. He emphasized that whichever direction the Trump administration opts to take, there are several reasonable alternatives that the next administration will need to examine.
Kendall is set to publish his vision for the Air Force and Space Force over the next 25 years in a report titled “The Department of the Air Force in 2050.” He notes that while the services’ missions will not fundamentally change, there needs to be a significant transformation. The Air Force must prioritize its components of the nuclear triad, including the B-21 stealth bomber and Sentinel ICBM, while also shifting from short-range fighters to longer-range strike platforms.
In addition, Kendall stressed the importance of survivable stand-in systems, mobility aircraft, and refueling capabilities. He spoke about the significant role of autonomy and unmanned aircraft in future conflicts, indicating that success in warfare will increasingly depend on advanced AI technology. His report predicts a future characterized by remote-control warfare, requiring sophisticated sensors, secure communications, and superior decision-making support through state-of-the-art AI.
Regarding the Space Force, Kendall indicated that “major and transformative investment” is necessary as space is becoming the decisive domain for nearly all military operations. Currently, there are about 10,000 Guardians in the Space Force, but this number is expected to increase substantially by 2050. He outlined the need for expanding counterspace capabilities and developing a mix of weapons for both Earth and space.
Furthermore, Kendall called for the development of automated space domain awareness systems to track adversary space capabilities, alongside resilient missile warning and tracking systems. These advancements are critical as missiles will remain the preferred weapon for kinetic attacks through 2050.
As the department prepares for its future structure amidst the transition to a new administration—promising to cut waste and improve efficiency—Kendall cautioned that many regulatory requirements are mandated by Congress. He remarked on the challenges associated with Pentagon procurement, especially when programs benefit multiple congressional districts, using the ongoing purchase of C-130s as a specific example despite sufficient existing inventory.