US Air Force pushes NGAD decision to Trump administration
Despite the steep cost, the USAF has been adamant that it is not walking away from the NGAD project. (Photo: Collins Aerospace)
NGAD has been on hold since mid-2024, while the branch reassessed the scope and cost of the programme.
The US Air Force (USAF) has said that the decision on what direction the US government will take on the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter will be deferred to the Trump administration.
Department of the USAF spokesperson, Anne Stefanek, said: “The Secretary of the Air Force will defer the Next Generation Air Dominance way ahead decision to the next administration, while the Department of the Air Force continues its analysis and executes the necessary actions to ensure decision space remains intact for the NGAD program.”
While a USAF source said that the demise of NGAD was “grossly exaggerated” in November, the selection process for the project still remains on hold since an announcement from Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall in July 2024.
Related Articles
Northrop Grumman says no to prime role on US Air Force NGAD fighter programme
NGAD’s demise ‘grossly exaggerated’ as US Air Force continues to re-evaluate programme
Furthermore, a contract award for the NGAD platform was supposed to have been announced by the end of 2024, following a statement by US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin.
The Air Force also said in the newly released statement that it intends to extend its current contracts for technology maturation on the programme to further mature designs/systems while ensuring the industry teams remain intact”. It also asked industry partners to update its proposals, considering the programme’s paused state.
The two companies vying for the bid are thought to be Lockheed Martin and Boeing, following Northrop Grumman’s exit in 2023.
Described as a ‘family of systems’, NGAD comprises a crewed 6thgeneration combat aircraft, supported by Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The jet would replace the F-22 Raptor.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) (Increment 1) [USAF]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough]()
July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough
Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 revealed the growing scale of the UK’s uncrewed ambitions, with companies showcasing new CCA, autonomous wingmen and surveillance drones, while sovereign production emerged as a key factor for multiple programmes.
-
![FIA 2026: Bell highlights MOSA-driven growth path for MV-75 Cheyenne]()
FIA 2026: Bell highlights MOSA-driven growth path for MV-75 Cheyenne
Bell Flight’s modular open-systems approach for the US Army’s MV-75 Cheyenne could open doors for international allies and suppliers once locked out by closed rotorcraft architectures.
-
![Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)]()
Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)
BAE Systems’ all-digital EW delivers 360-degree threat awareness in contested environments, boosts survivability, and cuts lifecycle costs.
-
![US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist]()
US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist
The USAF is looking for commercial avionics solutions to improve the T-38 Talon’s reliability, readiness and flight safety as continued T-7A Red Hawk delays increase the likelihood that the legacy trainer will remain in service longer than planned.
-
![British Army’s Project Corvus selection highlights new era of drone sovereignty]()
British Army’s Project Corvus selection highlights new era of drone sovereignty
The UK’s choice of the Tekever AR5 for Project Corvus reflects a wider shift in military drone procurement towards solutions that centre on sovereignty and domestic production, moving away from overseas reliance.
