Air Warfare Preview 2025: A pressure-filled year ahead will see decisions made on major platforms and programmes
A concept for the NGAD sixth-gen fighter. (Image: Lockheed Martin)
Looming government decisions on major defence programmes in the US and UK will colour much of 2025, while manufacturers and their orderbooks look on.
The next 12 months look set to be prove crucial for the ongoing delivery and purchase of air platforms as various armed forces’ modernisation efforts continue.
It will also be a decisive year that will see some highly anticipated announcements regarding future air programmes including the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)/Future Combat Air System (FCAS), the US’s Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) and the UK’s New Medium Helicopter.
Manufacturers will await the outcome of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review which is anticipated for the first half of 2025. The externally-led review will determine how and on what defence platforms, programmes and resources the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![India confronts widening military helicopter gap as border demands intensify]()
India confronts widening military helicopter gap as border demands intensify
India’s major helicopter programmes are under the spotlight as the country turns to global partners to replace legacy helicopters with growing urgency.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Boeing’s MQ-28A targets key 2028 date as Block II ground tests begin]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Boeing’s MQ-28A targets key 2028 date as Block II ground tests begin
The MQ-28A Ghost Bat is the most mature CCA platform currently under development, with Boeing looking to accelerate its timelines and development of the aircraft.
-
![Latin American air forces look beyond fighters to revamp transport aircraft fleets]()
Latin American air forces look beyond fighters to revamp transport aircraft fleets
The Mexican Air Force has become the first Latin American operator of the C-130J Super Hercules, but the service is not alone in acquiring a tactical airlifter in recent months.
