The current sixth-generation (Gen-6) fighter jet competition - US, China and Russia

 The current sixth-generation (Gen-6) fighter jet competition is dominated by the race between the United States and China to develop tailless stealth designs and integrate drone swarms. Meanwhile, Russia tends to lag behind in developing new platforms and is more focused on evolving the Su-57 base.

The following is a competitive landscape for the three countries as of April 2026:

1. United States: Technology & Budget Dominance

The United States is developing two major programs to replace its Gen-5 fleet, with operational targets around 2028-2030.

NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance) Program: Developing the Boeing F-47 fighter jet as a successor to the F-22 Raptor. Its primary focus is a "family of systems" linking manned aircraft with accompanying drones (Collaborative Combat Aircraft).

F-47

F/A-XX Program: A US Navy project to replace the F/A-18 Super Hornet. Northrop Grumman recently showcased its latest tailless design concept in April 2026 to challenge Boeing's design.

F/A-XX

Advantages: Massive budget ($3.45 billion for the USAF in 2026) and advantages in networked warfare and artificial intelligence.

2. China: Rapid Progress & Prototype Testing

China has emerged as a strong contender, potentially surpassing the US in the pace of mass production of Gen-6 jets.

Chengdu J-36: Reportedly already conducting several test flights. This aircraft uses a tailless diamond wing design to achieve ultra-stealth and speeds of up to Mach 2.4.

J-36

Shenyang J-50: Another prototype that has also been seen in testing since 2024.

Advantages: China has a robust rare earth mineral supply chain and rapid advances in domestic jet engines that allow a combat radius of up to 1,500 nautical miles, greater than any Gen-5 jet.

J-50

3. Russia: Evolution of the Fifth Generation

Russia's strategy differs from that of the US and China, which build platforms from scratch; it prefers incremental development.

Su-57 Felon Base: Russia's Gen-6 jet was developed as an evolution of the Su-57, including a twin-seat version for controlling drone swarms (called "Drone Commander").

Mikoyan PAK DP (MiG-41): A future interceptor project designed to replace the MiG-31, targeting hypersonic speed and near-space capabilities.

MIG-41

Challenges: The number of operational Su-57s remains very small compared to the US and Chinese stealth fleets, so Russia's primary focus is currently on fulfilling its Gen-5 fleet.