Analysis | What a mysterious new stealth fighter of the US Air Force reveals about the future of air superiority
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A recent U.S. Air Force recruiting commercial, shared on April 11, 2025, by the General David Allvin, 23rd Chief of Staff of the US Air Force, includes a short clip of an unfamiliar stealth aircraft taxiing on a dark runway, which may depict one of the NGAD program’s technology demonstrators, according to some analysts. The aircraft lacks canards, which are present in Boeing’s known F-47 renderings, and features vertical tail surfaces, differing from most official NGAD-related concept images. Its configuration raises the possibility that it could be an earlier demonstrator from Lockheed Martin, a Boeing-related testbed, or a non-representative design used solely for promotional purposes.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
This appearance, whether linked to the F-47 or not, provides an opportunity to examine current global developments in fifth- and sixth-generation fighter programs and their projected roles in future air combat. (Picture source: Twitter/General David Allvin)
Air forces around the world are entering a new era, transitioning from fielding fifth-generation stealth fighters to developing even more advanced sixth-generation aircraft. Fifth-generation fighters currently in service (like the U.S. F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, Chinese J-20 and J-35, and Russian Su-57) introduced capabilities such as stealth, sensor fusion, and unprecedented situational awareness in the mid-2000s. Now, ambitious sixth-generation fighter programs are expected to debut in the 2030s, with multiple nations pursuing new designs. The United States, China, and Russia have all announced sixth-generation projects, while countries like Japan, the UK, Italy, France, Germany, and Spain are collaborating on multinational development efforts. These initiatives aim to ensure air superiority well into the mid-21st century, building on lessons from current fifth-generation jets and pushing the boundaries of aviation far beyond what pioneers could ever have imagined.
Fifth-generation fighters are defined by a set of key technical features that distinguish them from earlier jets. Chief among these is low-observable stealth design – incorporating radar-absorbing shapes and materials and carrying weapons in internal bays to minimize radar cross-section. They also feature high maneuverability (often with techniques like thrust-vectoring engines), and sometimes supercruise capability (sustained supersonic flight without afterburner). Fifth-gen fighters carry active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars and infrared sensors that feed into integrated battle management computers, giving the pilot a unified picture of the battlespace from radar, infrared, and other sensor inputs.
This combination of stealth and superior situational awareness allows fifth-gen fighters to detect and engage threats before being seen themselves, a decisive advantage in modern air combat. Electronic warfare suites and networked datalinks further enable them to act as “force multipliers,” sharing targets with friendly units and operating as part of a larger system. Therefore, these aircraft are typically multirole, meaning they can perform air-to-air combat as well as strike missions, and even act as battlefield command nodes by providing communication and coordination (C3) capabilities.
Sixth-generation fighters are now in development, conceived as a further leap in capabilities beyond today’s stealth jets. Although designs are still in the prototype or concept phase, they generally share certain anticipated features. One expectation is the use of advanced stealth profiles (such as tailless airframes or novel materials) to achieve an even lower multi-spectrum signature than current fighters. They are also likely to be designed with digital engineering and open architectures from the start, meaning extensive use of simulation in development and modular, software-driven systems that can be upgraded more easily. Sixth-gen jets will emphasize high-capacity networking and data fusion, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a major role as a decision aid to the pilot. This could manifest as AI copilots or autonomous systems that help filter information and even control allied drones.
Many concepts are “optionally manned”, indicating the same aircraft might be flown by a pilot or as a drone, allowing for greater mission flexibility and risk-taking. Enhanced human-systems integration is expected, for instance, using virtual cockpits with helmet-mounted displays to give the pilot 360-degree vision and AR/VR interfaces instead of traditional cockpit dials. Other likely features include next-generation adaptive engines (for both fuel efficiency and bursts of power), capacity for directed-energy weapons (like lasers for defense or offense), and carrying hypersonic or swarming long-range weapons to engage enemies from greater distances.
While some of these concepts remain aspirational, the consensus is that sixth-generation fighters will be a “system of systems” – not just a lone aircraft, but the centerpiece of an array of networked drones, sensors, and data links that together transform how air wars are fought. (Picture source: Twitter/General David Allvin)
Fifth-generation fighters have already proven their value in modern air forces, not by sheer speed or agility alone but by enabling new ways of conducting air warfare. Their stealth characteristics allow them to penetrate defended airspace and survive against enemy air defense systems, which is crucial for gaining air superiority early in a conflict. Equally important is their role as information nodes, as they are loaded with a full pack of sensors that create a complete picture of the airspace, shared in real time with other aircraft, ground units, and command centers. In practice, an F-35 flying an operation can locate targets or threats and relay that data to older fighters or naval ships, improving the effectiveness of the entire force. This high level of situational awareness and connectivity is a force multiplier. Fifth-gen fighters also typically carry a wide array of modern precision weapons internally, making them effective in both air combat and strike missions. The result is that a smaller number of these advanced jets can have an outsized impact on a mission’s success compared to larger fleets of older fighters.
As air forces integrate these aircraft, they often find that tactics and doctrines must evolve – for example, using stealth fighters in the “first wave” of an attack to knock out defenses and coordinate strikes, with less advanced planes following up under the coverage they provide. The operational value of fifth-gen (and future sixth-gen) fighters thus lies not only in individual aircraft performance, but in how they enhance the overall combat network and enable new warfighting strategies.
Staying ahead, as usual, requires a lot of new technologies. U.S. Air Force leaders have noted that only a leap to a sixth-generation platform can provide “exponential improvements in stealth, processing power, and sensing” needed to maintain air superiority against enemy stealth fighters and sophisticated surface-to-air missiles in the coming decades. In essence, fifth-gen jets have become the new baseline for any top-tier air force; anything less risks irrelevance in high-tech conflict. Sixth-generation fighters, with their greater range, faster data-processing, and ability to control force packages, are seen as critical for future contested environments where survivability and real-time decision advantage will be paramount. These aircraft will not just shoot down enemies; they will serve as airborne command nodes, intelligence gatherers, and quarterbacks for an entire network of assets. The investment is enormous, but militaries judge the payoff – in deterrence and combat edge – to be worth it, as control of the skies remains a decisive factor in overall warfare.
In the MUM-T concept, a human-piloted lead fighter will be accompanied by several AI-powered autonomous unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) that extend the formation’s sensing and striking ability. (Picture source: Dassault Aviation)
Developing an advanced fighter jet today is a massive undertaking, often stretching over decades and costing billions. A clear trend is that countries are increasingly cooperating on development to share costs and expertise, or complementing manned fighters with unmanned systems to expand capabilities. Europe provides key examples of collaboration: France, Germany, and Spain joined forces on the FCAS program, while the UK, Italy, and Japan have teamed up on the GCAP/Tempest project – in both cases to spread development costs and pool technological know-how. Another trend is the emphasis on a “system of systems” approach. Instead of a fighter operating entirely on its own, future air combat will involve mixed teams of crewed fighters, drones, satellites, and ground systems all linked together. For instance, sixth-generation concepts universally include what is called manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T).
In this concept, a human-piloted lead fighter will be accompanied by several AI-powered autonomous unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) – sometimes called loyal wingmen, remote carriers, or, in U.S. terms, Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) – that extend the formation’s sensing and striking ability. The drones might carry extra sensors or weapons, sacrifice themselves as decoys, perform electronic jamming, or scout ahead into dangerous areas – all coordinated with the human pilot or AI. Such manned-unmanned teaming is expected to greatly amplify combat effectiveness without always risking a pilot for every mission.
Countries that cannot afford a full sixth-gen program are also investing in high-end unmanned aircraft as a way to leapfrog into advanced air combat; for example, stealth drones and UCAV demonstrators have been developed by nations like India, Türkiye, and others as part of their drive for modern airpower. Globally, the race is on across air forces to field and operate with such drones to conduct joint missions, using secure datalinks and AI to act as a single cohesive unit. This manned-unmanned synergy is expected to revolutionize tactics – for instance, a stealth fighter could silently command a forward screen of drones that flush out enemy radars, or assign them to attack ground targets while the manned leader focuses on air threats.
Nations are learning that future air superiority will depend not just on having the best single aircraft, but on the interoperability and networking of many assets – both manned and unmanned – across the air, space, and cyber domains. Networking all these assets via cloud-based communication will be critical, where each fighter is not an isolated platform but the center of a web of sensors and shooters, many of which may be unmanned.
Sweden’s future fighter will retain key elements from the Gripen, including its engine, vehicle systems, and avionics, while introducing a stealthier airframe, a new digital backbone, advanced communication systems, and AI integrations. (Picture source: Saab via SVT Nyheter)
Several common technological developments underpin ongoing sixth-generation fighter programs across the globe. One major element is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into combat aviation. AI is expected to play a significant role in autonomous drone wingmen, and may also be embedded in manned fighter cockpits as decision aids, voice-activated systems, or automated agents capable of assuming control in cases where the pilot is overwhelmed or incapacitated. The U.S. Air Force has already tested AI as a flight co-pilot in legacy aircraft, and by the time sixth-generation platforms become operational, pilots may oversee networks of AI-enabled systems operating both in the air and in cyberspace.
Another key focus is sensor fusion and data management. Future fighters are expected to carry advanced onboard sensors—such as radar, infrared search and track (IRST), and passive electronic sensors—while also integrating information from external sources including AWACS aircraft, satellites, and other fighters. Processing and filtering this high volume of data requires robust onboard computing and secure networking systems, with the goal of delivering a consolidated and actionable picture of the battlespace. These enhanced datalinks, however, increase exposure to cyber threats, prompting designers to incorporate cyber resilience measures from the outset of development.
Stealth remains a central consideration. Developers are studying new materials and configurations—such as tailless aircraft shapes seen in some sixth-generation designs—to further reduce radar and infrared signatures. Some concepts propose modular stealth features, allowing aircraft to adapt their configurations depending on mission requirements, such as maximizing stealth or optimizing for speed.
Directed-energy weapons are also under evaluation, including lasers intended for point defense against missiles or drones. These capabilities remain contingent on overcoming technical challenges related to power generation and thermal management. If implemented successfully, such systems could offer rapid-response defensive options and alter existing tactical approaches.
The expected shift in operational doctrine may be significant. Fifth-generation fighters have already encouraged the adoption of network-centric and beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat principles, emphasizing sensor advantage and engagement from standoff distances. Sixth-generation aircraft are anticipated to expand this model. One aircraft, paired with autonomous systems, may fulfill roles that previously required multiple specialized platforms. These aircraft may undertake electronic warfare and surveillance tasks traditionally performed by separate assets. Interoperability across services and allied nations is also being emphasized, enabling joint operations with seamless data exchange.
Operational concepts may include the use of unmanned formations in high-risk areas, directed by human pilots operating from safer positions. Training and organizational structures are expected to evolve accordingly, with a stronger focus on systems management, cyber warfare, and multi-domain coordination across air, space, and ground operations.
Due to high unit costs, sixth-generation fighters are unlikely to be procured in large quantities. Doctrines may therefore prioritize their use in high-value missions, such as neutralizing air defenses early in a conflict, while other aircraft and drones conduct follow-on operations. Alternatively, their extended range and sensing capabilities may enable routine deterrent patrols over broad regions, akin to how nuclear submarines are used for strategic presence.
These aircraft may also influence the conduct of high-intensity warfare by enabling closer integration between air and space operations. For example, some sixth-generation systems may have the capability to coordinate with space-based assets or launch hypersonic missiles, requiring updated doctrines for cross-domain mission planning. Given that many of these projects are multilateral—such as GCAP and FCAS—standardized doctrines and interoperability frameworks are being developed to support coalition operations involving multiple sixth-generation platforms.
The trajectory of next-generation fighter development is shaped by both technological progression and evolving operational concepts. While fifth-generation aircraft established a new baseline for air power, sixth-generation programs aim to build upon these with expanded capabilities in automation, network integration, and mission flexibility. Programs worldwide are advancing with the shared objective of maintaining air superiority amid shifting security dynamics. As sixth-generation aircraft become operational in the 2030s and beyond, they are likely to influence both the conduct and deterrence of conflict, particularly given the limited number of nations expected to field them. The combination of manned platforms, autonomous systems, and enhanced information capabilities may reshape aerial warfare in the coming decades.
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A recent U.S. Air Force recruiting commercial, shared on April 11, 2025, by the General David Allvin, 23rd Chief of Staff of the US Air Force, includes a short clip of an unfamiliar stealth aircraft taxiing on a dark runway, which may depict one of the NGAD program’s technology demonstrators, according to some analysts. The aircraft lacks canards, which are present in Boeing’s known F-47 renderings, and features vertical tail surfaces, differing from most official NGAD-related concept images. Its configuration raises the possibility that it could be an earlier demonstrator from Lockheed Martin, a Boeing-related testbed, or a non-representative design used solely for promotional purposes.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
This appearance, whether linked to the F-47 or not, provides an opportunity to examine current global developments in fifth- and sixth-generation fighter programs and their projected roles in future air combat. (Picture source: Twitter/General David Allvin)
Air forces around the world are entering a new era, transitioning from fielding fifth-generation stealth fighters to developing even more advanced sixth-generation aircraft. Fifth-generation fighters currently in service (like the U.S. F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, Chinese J-20 and J-35, and Russian Su-57) introduced capabilities such as stealth, sensor fusion, and unprecedented situational awareness in the mid-2000s. Now, ambitious sixth-generation fighter programs are expected to debut in the 2030s, with multiple nations pursuing new designs. The United States, China, and Russia have all announced sixth-generation projects, while countries like Japan, the UK, Italy, France, Germany, and Spain are collaborating on multinational development efforts. These initiatives aim to ensure air superiority well into the mid-21st century, building on lessons from current fifth-generation jets and pushing the boundaries of aviation far beyond what pioneers could ever have imagined.
Fifth-generation fighters are defined by a set of key technical features that distinguish them from earlier jets. Chief among these is low-observable stealth design – incorporating radar-absorbing shapes and materials and carrying weapons in internal bays to minimize radar cross-section. They also feature high maneuverability (often with techniques like thrust-vectoring engines), and sometimes supercruise capability (sustained supersonic flight without afterburner). Fifth-gen fighters carry active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars and infrared sensors that feed into integrated battle management computers, giving the pilot a unified picture of the battlespace from radar, infrared, and other sensor inputs.
This combination of stealth and superior situational awareness allows fifth-gen fighters to detect and engage threats before being seen themselves, a decisive advantage in modern air combat. Electronic warfare suites and networked datalinks further enable them to act as “force multipliers,” sharing targets with friendly units and operating as part of a larger system. Therefore, these aircraft are typically multirole, meaning they can perform air-to-air combat as well as strike missions, and even act as battlefield command nodes by providing communication and coordination (C3) capabilities.
Sixth-generation fighters are now in development, conceived as a further leap in capabilities beyond today’s stealth jets. Although designs are still in the prototype or concept phase, they generally share certain anticipated features. One expectation is the use of advanced stealth profiles (such as tailless airframes or novel materials) to achieve an even lower multi-spectrum signature than current fighters. They are also likely to be designed with digital engineering and open architectures from the start, meaning extensive use of simulation in development and modular, software-driven systems that can be upgraded more easily. Sixth-gen jets will emphasize high-capacity networking and data fusion, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a major role as a decision aid to the pilot. This could manifest as AI copilots or autonomous systems that help filter information and even control allied drones.
Many concepts are “optionally manned”, indicating the same aircraft might be flown by a pilot or as a drone, allowing for greater mission flexibility and risk-taking. Enhanced human-systems integration is expected, for instance, using virtual cockpits with helmet-mounted displays to give the pilot 360-degree vision and AR/VR interfaces instead of traditional cockpit dials. Other likely features include next-generation adaptive engines (for both fuel efficiency and bursts of power), capacity for directed-energy weapons (like lasers for defense or offense), and carrying hypersonic or swarming long-range weapons to engage enemies from greater distances.
While some of these concepts remain aspirational, the consensus is that sixth-generation fighters will be a “system of systems” – not just a lone aircraft, but the centerpiece of an array of networked drones, sensors, and data links that together transform how air wars are fought. (Picture source: Twitter/General David Allvin)
Fifth-generation fighters have already proven their value in modern air forces, not by sheer speed or agility alone but by enabling new ways of conducting air warfare. Their stealth characteristics allow them to penetrate defended airspace and survive against enemy air defense systems, which is crucial for gaining air superiority early in a conflict. Equally important is their role as information nodes, as they are loaded with a full pack of sensors that create a complete picture of the airspace, shared in real time with other aircraft, ground units, and command centers. In practice, an F-35 flying an operation can locate targets or threats and relay that data to older fighters or naval ships, improving the effectiveness of the entire force. This high level of situational awareness and connectivity is a force multiplier. Fifth-gen fighters also typically carry a wide array of modern precision weapons internally, making them effective in both air combat and strike missions. The result is that a smaller number of these advanced jets can have an outsized impact on a mission’s success compared to larger fleets of older fighters.
As air forces integrate these aircraft, they often find that tactics and doctrines must evolve – for example, using stealth fighters in the “first wave” of an attack to knock out defenses and coordinate strikes, with less advanced planes following up under the coverage they provide. The operational value of fifth-gen (and future sixth-gen) fighters thus lies not only in individual aircraft performance, but in how they enhance the overall combat network and enable new warfighting strategies.
Staying ahead, as usual, requires a lot of new technologies. U.S. Air Force leaders have noted that only a leap to a sixth-generation platform can provide “exponential improvements in stealth, processing power, and sensing” needed to maintain air superiority against enemy stealth fighters and sophisticated surface-to-air missiles in the coming decades. In essence, fifth-gen jets have become the new baseline for any top-tier air force; anything less risks irrelevance in high-tech conflict. Sixth-generation fighters, with their greater range, faster data-processing, and ability to control force packages, are seen as critical for future contested environments where survivability and real-time decision advantage will be paramount. These aircraft will not just shoot down enemies; they will serve as airborne command nodes, intelligence gatherers, and quarterbacks for an entire network of assets. The investment is enormous, but militaries judge the payoff – in deterrence and combat edge – to be worth it, as control of the skies remains a decisive factor in overall warfare.
In the MUM-T concept, a human-piloted lead fighter will be accompanied by several AI-powered autonomous unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) that extend the formation’s sensing and striking ability. (Picture source: Dassault Aviation)
Developing an advanced fighter jet today is a massive undertaking, often stretching over decades and costing billions. A clear trend is that countries are increasingly cooperating on development to share costs and expertise, or complementing manned fighters with unmanned systems to expand capabilities. Europe provides key examples of collaboration: France, Germany, and Spain joined forces on the FCAS program, while the UK, Italy, and Japan have teamed up on the GCAP/Tempest project – in both cases to spread development costs and pool technological know-how. Another trend is the emphasis on a “system of systems” approach. Instead of a fighter operating entirely on its own, future air combat will involve mixed teams of crewed fighters, drones, satellites, and ground systems all linked together. For instance, sixth-generation concepts universally include what is called manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T).
In this concept, a human-piloted lead fighter will be accompanied by several AI-powered autonomous unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) – sometimes called loyal wingmen, remote carriers, or, in U.S. terms, Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) – that extend the formation’s sensing and striking ability. The drones might carry extra sensors or weapons, sacrifice themselves as decoys, perform electronic jamming, or scout ahead into dangerous areas – all coordinated with the human pilot or AI. Such manned-unmanned teaming is expected to greatly amplify combat effectiveness without always risking a pilot for every mission.
Countries that cannot afford a full sixth-gen program are also investing in high-end unmanned aircraft as a way to leapfrog into advanced air combat; for example, stealth drones and UCAV demonstrators have been developed by nations like India, Türkiye, and others as part of their drive for modern airpower. Globally, the race is on across air forces to field and operate with such drones to conduct joint missions, using secure datalinks and AI to act as a single cohesive unit. This manned-unmanned synergy is expected to revolutionize tactics – for instance, a stealth fighter could silently command a forward screen of drones that flush out enemy radars, or assign them to attack ground targets while the manned leader focuses on air threats.
Nations are learning that future air superiority will depend not just on having the best single aircraft, but on the interoperability and networking of many assets – both manned and unmanned – across the air, space, and cyber domains. Networking all these assets via cloud-based communication will be critical, where each fighter is not an isolated platform but the center of a web of sensors and shooters, many of which may be unmanned.
Sweden’s future fighter will retain key elements from the Gripen, including its engine, vehicle systems, and avionics, while introducing a stealthier airframe, a new digital backbone, advanced communication systems, and AI integrations. (Picture source: Saab via SVT Nyheter)
Several common technological developments underpin ongoing sixth-generation fighter programs across the globe. One major element is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into combat aviation. AI is expected to play a significant role in autonomous drone wingmen, and may also be embedded in manned fighter cockpits as decision aids, voice-activated systems, or automated agents capable of assuming control in cases where the pilot is overwhelmed or incapacitated. The U.S. Air Force has already tested AI as a flight co-pilot in legacy aircraft, and by the time sixth-generation platforms become operational, pilots may oversee networks of AI-enabled systems operating both in the air and in cyberspace.
Another key focus is sensor fusion and data management. Future fighters are expected to carry advanced onboard sensors—such as radar, infrared search and track (IRST), and passive electronic sensors—while also integrating information from external sources including AWACS aircraft, satellites, and other fighters. Processing and filtering this high volume of data requires robust onboard computing and secure networking systems, with the goal of delivering a consolidated and actionable picture of the battlespace. These enhanced datalinks, however, increase exposure to cyber threats, prompting designers to incorporate cyber resilience measures from the outset of development.
Stealth remains a central consideration. Developers are studying new materials and configurations—such as tailless aircraft shapes seen in some sixth-generation designs—to further reduce radar and infrared signatures. Some concepts propose modular stealth features, allowing aircraft to adapt their configurations depending on mission requirements, such as maximizing stealth or optimizing for speed.
Directed-energy weapons are also under evaluation, including lasers intended for point defense against missiles or drones. These capabilities remain contingent on overcoming technical challenges related to power generation and thermal management. If implemented successfully, such systems could offer rapid-response defensive options and alter existing tactical approaches.
The expected shift in operational doctrine may be significant. Fifth-generation fighters have already encouraged the adoption of network-centric and beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat principles, emphasizing sensor advantage and engagement from standoff distances. Sixth-generation aircraft are anticipated to expand this model. One aircraft, paired with autonomous systems, may fulfill roles that previously required multiple specialized platforms. These aircraft may undertake electronic warfare and surveillance tasks traditionally performed by separate assets. Interoperability across services and allied nations is also being emphasized, enabling joint operations with seamless data exchange.
Operational concepts may include the use of unmanned formations in high-risk areas, directed by human pilots operating from safer positions. Training and organizational structures are expected to evolve accordingly, with a stronger focus on systems management, cyber warfare, and multi-domain coordination across air, space, and ground operations.
Due to high unit costs, sixth-generation fighters are unlikely to be procured in large quantities. Doctrines may therefore prioritize their use in high-value missions, such as neutralizing air defenses early in a conflict, while other aircraft and drones conduct follow-on operations. Alternatively, their extended range and sensing capabilities may enable routine deterrent patrols over broad regions, akin to how nuclear submarines are used for strategic presence.
These aircraft may also influence the conduct of high-intensity warfare by enabling closer integration between air and space operations. For example, some sixth-generation systems may have the capability to coordinate with space-based assets or launch hypersonic missiles, requiring updated doctrines for cross-domain mission planning. Given that many of these projects are multilateral—such as GCAP and FCAS—standardized doctrines and interoperability frameworks are being developed to support coalition operations involving multiple sixth-generation platforms.
The trajectory of next-generation fighter development is shaped by both technological progression and evolving operational concepts. While fifth-generation aircraft established a new baseline for air power, sixth-generation programs aim to build upon these with expanded capabilities in automation, network integration, and mission flexibility. Programs worldwide are advancing with the shared objective of maintaining air superiority amid shifting security dynamics. As sixth-generation aircraft become operational in the 2030s and beyond, they are likely to influence both the conduct and deterrence of conflict, particularly given the limited number of nations expected to field them. The combination of manned platforms, autonomous systems, and enhanced information capabilities may reshape aerial warfare in the coming decades.
