Air Force "Pursuing acquisition of 6th-generation manned-unmanned complex fighter aircraft in the late 2040s"

Chief of Staff of the Air Force "Caused concern due to a series of accidents... Pursuing measures to prevent recurrence"

Son Seok-rak, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, reporting on current issues [Yonhap News photo]

The Air Force is pursuing a plan to acquire 6th-generation fighter jets suitable for the future battlefield environment in the latter half of the 2040s.

The Air Force reported its phased plan to secure an AI-based manned-unmanned complex combat system at the Air Force Headquarters' parliamentary audit by the National Defense Committee, held at Gyeryongdae, Gyeryong-si, Chungnam, on the 23rd.

According to the plan, the goal is to acquire collaborative multi-purpose unmanned aerial vehicles for fighters in the early 2030s, collaborative unmanned combat aircraft for fighters in the mid-to-late 2030s, and fully next-generation (6th-generation) fighter jets in the mid-to-late 2040s.

In particular, the 6th-generation fighter jets are intended to replace the F-16, and the Air Force reported that the goal is to secure complete technologies, including advanced stealth, small weapons, engines, and quantum communication.

An official from the Air Force explained, "The 6th-generation fighter jets (manned-unmanned complex) will include AI-based manned aircraft that can be converted to unmanned," adding, "We plan to decide whether to develop domestically or purchase from abroad after assessing future technological advancements."

In addition, the Air Force reported on long-term plans such as acquiring long-range fixed-wing guided missiles, participating in the Space Unity Exercise (Schriever Wargame) hosted by the U.S. Space Force next year, and converting overseas maintenance to domestic maintenance by expanding domestic aircraft maintenance capabilities.

Prior to this, in his opening remarks, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Son Seok-rak stated, "We will focus our efforts on advancing AI technology capabilities, securing core AI pilot technologies, and establishing a manned-unmanned complex combat system based on these, and we will proceed with securing space power, space organizations, and space personnel in a phased and uninterrupted manner."

He added, "We will prove the excellence of domestic weapon systems by ensuring the stable operational deployment of the KF-21 Boramae, which will be delivered to the Air Force next year."

Furthermore, regarding the series of accidents this year, from the mistaken bombing of civilian areas by a fighter jet to the emergency ejection during training in Alaska, USA, Chief of Staff Son stated, "We have caused concern to the public due to a series of accidents that occurred during missions," and announced, "We will vigorously pursue comprehensive measures to prevent the recurrence of flight accidents." Yonhap News