As a former secretary of the Air Force, I’ve “been there and done that” with regards to budget trade-offs, making hard decisions and doing my best to work collaboratively throughout the halls of the Pentagon and on Capitol Hill to achieve the very best decisions possible for our military’s current and future readiness. So I understand the challenges that current Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin are facing as they consider programmatic alternatives for the fiscal 2026 budget and beyond. Nevertheless, I’m deeply troubled by recent reports suggesting the possible termination of the Next Generation Air Dominance system because of budgetary constraints.
I strongly argue that the administration and Congress must unite to fund the Air Force to make sure the continuity of this vital program. In addition they have to explore alternative design and acquisition strategies to significantly reduce the price of NGAD and expedite the delivery of this critical capability.
By means of background, the family of systems often known as NGAD — which incorporates a manned, penetrating, counter-air platform and unmanned collaborative combat aircraft — is the result of in depth Air Force and Department of Defense research, which began in 2014. This research concluded that America’s current air dominance assets wouldn’t remain sufficiently competitive against the systems of potential adversaries (especially China) into the 2030s.
Then-acquisition chief Frank Kendall was instrumental on this evaluation and program from the beginning. He even made it the linchpin of one among his seven operational imperatives after becoming secretary of the Air Force. With China confirming that it’s working on a sixth-generation fighter system to be accomplished by 2035, the importance of the NGAD program for the Air Force has turn into all of the more apparent.
Enter the Fiscal Responsibility Act and its caps on defense spending; deficit concerns; and the bow-wave effect of must-pay bills for programs just like the B-21 bomber, the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program and rising personnel costs; the Air Force now finds itself on the horns of a dilemma for FY26 and beyond.
There’s not enough money to pay for all of it.
Furthermore, the manned portion of NGAD is predicted to be even costlier than the F-35 fighter, which, if true, doesn’t bode well for America’s ability to eventually procure an adequate variety of fighters. If this system encounters significant delays, the U.S. may once more find itself delivering a capability that has not kept pace with where the threat has advanced.
What, then, should we do?
First, I urge Congress and the DOD to offer adequate funds to the Air Force so that each one these essential programs remain on target.
Second, I urge the Air Force to contemplate revolutionary design and acquisition strategies — perhaps along the lines of the “century series” approach that former Air Force acquisition chief Will Roper once spoke of. This approach would involve less-expensive and quicker-to-produce fighters with iterative designs that would change every few years if crucial. Engaging in discussions with industry on such an approach is crucial, because it represents a really different way of doing business and we want to make sure its feasibility.
It’s time for us to return together, think outside the box and find latest ways to support our military’s needs.
The one thing we are able to say needless to say is that China is ruthlessly advancing its NGAD equivalent and doesn’t seem like slowing down because of budgetary concerns. Furthermore, China is continuous aggressive actions within the South China Sea and has stepped up military drills that simulate a blockade and possible invasion of Taiwan.
The 2030s will likely be upon us instantly, so we are able to’t afford to delay NGAD. Doing so would mean risking loss in a future conflict.
Deborah Lee James is a former secretary of the U.S. Air Force. She serves as chair of the Defense Business Board and is affiliated with several organizations and businesses.