‘Light Fighter’ Concept Emerges During US Air Force Chief’s Speech at Royal Aeronautical Society Amid NGAD’s Uncertain Future | Aviation

Allvin unveiled what the RAeS called a ‘notional Light Fighter concept’ while calling for a shift of the next generation aircraft development from the ‘built to last’ philosophy to ‘built to adapt.’

Comments by U.S. Air Force chief General David Allvin and other defense industry executives at the Global Air and Space Chiefs’ Conference by the RAeS (Royal Aeronautical Society) in London late in July 2024 have again indicated the service possibly moving away from the NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance) program. Allvin also revealed a notional concept of what is being defined by the RAeS as a “Light Fighter” (although the General did not mention it), hoping for more “adaptable” platforms that can be easily modified and upgraded.

The conference’s proceedings by RAeS put this notional design against the background of the decision by the U.S.A.F to “back away from the NGAD” and “evaluate” its future “options.” The RAeS quoted unnamed defense industry executives and other attendees who observed a marked shift in the service’s attitude towards the…