Defence

Russia Plans to develop 5th and 6th Generation VTOL Fighters

Recent reports from the Russian website TopWar.ru reveal that a division of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), in collaboration with Rostec, is exploring the development of a new generation of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fighters.

Although details about the aircraft’s specific applications remain limited, the prospect of VTOL technology is particularly promising for its potential use on aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships—environments where such capabilities are highly valued.

Yakovlev, a key player in Russian aircraft design, is contemplating a revival of the Yak-141, the world’s first supersonic VTOL aircraft, which first took to the skies in 1987. The Yak-141, an evolution of the Yak-36 design from the 1950s, could form the basis for Russia’s next-generation VTOL fighter.

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Given the challenges currently faced by Russia’s air force, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, there is a strong push to develop a new, advanced fighter jet by 2050. However, experts express skepticism about this timeline, citing ongoing difficulties with Russia’s current generation of stealth fighters.

Developing a new fighter jet is an intricate and costly endeavor. Even with substantial investments in research and development, as well as potential construction of new aircraft carriers, the production of these advanced jets is expected to be limited. The complexities involved in designing and manufacturing a VTOL aircraft include miniaturizing and advancing avionics, creating a specialized airframe and wing, and most critically, developing a powerful and reliable engine.

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On July 27, 2024, Andrey Boginsky, head of Yakovlev, confirmed the company’s readiness to resume VTOL development. He emphasized Yakovlev’s extensive experience in the field, noting that the design bureau has been working on VTOL aircraft since the late 1950s, with notable achievements such as the Yak-38 and Yak-141.

Boginsky highlighted that leveraging both new aviation technologies and the preserved technical knowledge from the 1990s could facilitate a swift return to VTOL aircraft development, russia commercial aircraft provided the Ministry of Defense assigns the project.

The potential benefits of VTOL aircraft extend beyond naval applications; they could also play a critical role for the Aerospace Forces, particularly in scenarios where base airfields are vulnerable to missile and bomb attacks. These aircraft could be deployed on various types of ships and land-based sites without the need for traditional runways, making them highly versatile.

Defence

China Takes the Lead in Sixth-Generation Fighters with White Emperor B

China has taken the lead in the race to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet, recently revealing its new “White Emperor B” variant, an advanced prototype demonstrating China’s vision for next-generation air superiority.

While the United States has announced its NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance) initiative and the European Union is also in development, China appears to be moving quickly, reportedly already testing components and assessing design viability.

Nicknamed the “White Emperor B,” this fighter jet is set to feature highly advanced capabilities, making it potentially more lethal than any current fighter. With a single-seat, tailless design, its shape is inspired by the nose and engine inlet configurations of the Su-30. The aircraft has a sleek, duck-shaped fuselage, two engines housed beneath the main body, and an exhaust system crafted to enhance stealth. The tailless structure is specifically designed for high-speed maneuverability, maximizing both stealth and control.

The White Emperor B is also expected to integrate cutting-edge weaponry, including air-to-air missiles, laser-guided missiles, and other state-of-the-art technologies, increasing its adaptability across various combat scenarios. This fighter aims to set new standards in human-machine collaboration, simplifying maintenance and significantly boosting combat efficiency and sortie rates — essential attributes for modern warfare, where rapid response and sustainability are crucial.

Experts suggest that the White Emperor B could utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance pilot decision-making and optimize mission performance. It may also include advanced sensor fusion, enabling it to process real-time information and coordinate seamlessly with unmanned aerial systems (UAS), creating a cohesive combat network that allows both piloted and autonomous aircraft to operate together.

Aligned with global trends in sixth-generation fighter development, China’s White Emperor B program underscores its commitment to keeping pace with, or even surpassing, international defense initiatives like the U.S. NGAD and Europe’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS). Though specific technical details remain confidential, this conceptual model reflects China’s strategy to meet both current and future combat needs by pushing the boundaries of stealth, AI integration, and payload versatility. The White Emperor B is a clear statement of China’s ambition to secure a leading role in cutting-edge aviation technology, ensuring a formidable presence in future conflicts.