Скачать или смотреть Neither Russia Nor China but USA is an enemy for the Air Forces NGAD Fighter Jet

Below is a rewritten and expanded version of the article, elaborated to provide more context and analysis, while maintaining the original narrative and structure. It is written to meet a comprehensive word count:

NGAD 6th Generation Fighter Faces New Challenges: Not Russia or China

The U.S. Air Force’s Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program represents the cutting edge of military aviation, designed to ensure air superiority in future conflicts. However, as the program progresses, it finds itself under scrutiny—not from traditional adversaries like Russia or China, but from within the U.S. government itself. A combination of leadership changes, cost concerns, and shifting strategic priorities has placed the NGAD in a precarious position. With a price tag of $300 million per unit, the NGAD faces a battle for survival, and its future will be determined by the incoming Trump administration’s national security team.

NGAD: The Next Frontier in Air Dominance
Frank Kendall, the current Air Force Secretary and a staunch advocate of the NGAD, has highlighted its potential to revolutionize air combat. However, Kendall’s tenure is coming to an end, leaving the program’s future in the hands of a new administration. As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, his team will inherit the NGAD program at a critical juncture, with its operational feasibility and financial sustainability under intense scrutiny.

An Operational Pause: The Cost of Innovation

The NGAD program has been placed on an operational pause due to its exorbitant costs and unresolved design questions. At $300 million per unit, the NGAD is one of the most expensive defense programs in history. This price has raised questions about its affordability, particularly in an era where defense budgets are under pressure.

Trump’s Defense Philosophy: Peace Through Strength

Pete Hegseth: A Controversial Pick for Secretary
Hegseth’s lack of expertise in defense acquisition raises questions about his ability to navigate complex programs like the NGAD. His confirmation hearing in January will provide a clearer picture of his stance on the program, but for now, his position remains a mystery.

Stephen Feinberg: The Deputy with a Pragmatic Role

While Feinberg is unlikely to be directly involved in decisions about the NGAD, his role in streamlining operations could influence the broader context in which the program is evaluated.

Michael Duffey: The Cost-Conscious Acquisition Chief

Duffey’s emphasis on cost control poses a significant challenge for the NGAD. The program’s $300 million price tag is likely to draw his scrutiny, and he may question whether the Air Force can justify such an expensive investment. The outcome of his review will play a critical role in determining whether the NGAD moves forward or is relegated to the chopping block.

Elbridge Colby: A Strategist with a Focus on China

Elbridge Colby, Trump’s nominee for Under Secretary of Policy, brings a strategic perspective to the table. As the architect of the 2018 National Defense Strategy, Colby has consistently emphasized the need to prioritize China as the United States’ primary security threat.

Colby is likely to see the NGAD as a critical component of the U.S. military’s ability to counter China’s advancements in air power, including its own sixth-generation fighter program, the “White Emperor.” His support for the NGAD could be pivotal, as it aligns with his broader vision of focusing U.S. resources on countering China’s growing influence.

Elon Musk and DOGE: A Wildcard in the Equation

Perhaps the most unpredictable factor in the NGAD’s future is the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. Known for his innovative thinking and willingness to challenge the status quo, Musk has already criticized the F-35 program for its high costs

DOGE is expected to take a hard look at the NGAD’s price tag and may recommend that the program be scaled back or canceled altogether. Musk’s influence could shift the conversation away from traditional manned fighter jets and toward a future dominated by autonomous systems.
The Strategic Importance of the NGAD
The NGAD’s ability to operate in tandem with drones and other autonomous systems is a key feature, as it reflects the growing importance of networked warfare. By integrating manned and unmanned platforms, the NGAD could provide the U.S. military with unprecedented flexibility and effectiveness on the battlefield.
A Murky Future: The Road Ahea.
Conclusion:
The NGAD program is at a crossroads, embodying both the promise and the challenges of next-generation military technology. Its future will depend on a delicate balance of strategic priorities, financial realities, and political dynamics. As the Trump administration takes charge, the decisions made in the coming months will determine whether the NGAD becomes the cornerstone of U.S. air dominance or a cautionary tale of ambition outpacing feasibility.