Shares of Lockheed Martin, the largest U.S. defense contractor, were downgraded 14.5% by Deutsche Bank from “buy” to “hold,” and the price target was lowered from $611 to $523.
Analysts at the bank cited “China’s modernization efforts in combat aviation” as the main reason for the decision, following the release of footage showing two Chinese sixth-generation fighter jets in flight. emphasized.
“We downgrade Lockheed’s rating (from ‘buy’ to ‘hold’). Previous assumptions no longer seem convincing, and given China’s modernization efforts, we are lowering Lockheed’s rating to ‘hold’ from ‘buy’. That’s because there are growing concerns,” said Scott Deutsche, an analyst at Deutsche Bank.
He added that he sees “further advances in China’s combat capabilities that could undermine the Pentagon’s long-term demand for the F-35.”
The first images of the sixth-generation fighter jets were released on December 26, and the two new fighters feature a tailless wing design. This is a key requirement for a sixth-generation fighter that has never been seen before in a flying fighter.
Currently, the only fifth-generation fighters in mass production around the world are China’s J-20 and America’s F-35. With expectations mounting that China will introduce a sixth-generation fighter long before the United States, perhaps not long after the end of this decade, the F-35 is at a significant performance disadvantage. There is a high possibility that this will be the case, and as a result, criticism will be intensified. This is to reduce production.
Funds could be directed toward sixth-generation programs or asymmetric replacement programs such as short-range drones and air defense systems.
The F-35 is already considered unfavorable compared to the J-20. Although the two are considered similar in terms of advanced avionics, composite materials, and stealth coatings, the J-20 has a much better range with approximately twice the range. flight characteristics, supersonic cruise capability, much larger missile carrying capacity, and larger radar.
Advances in the J-20 program are a key driver of efforts to improve the F-35’s performance through the development of new AN/APG-85 radars, air-to-air AIM-260 missiles, and new electronic missiles. War suite.
However, gradual upgrades are not expected to make either the F-35 or the J-20 capable of even the most competitive aviation missions once the sixth-generation fighter jets begin to be introduced.
China’s combat aviation modernization is part of the country’s broader strategic efforts to strengthen its military capabilities. The 6th generation fighter program is just one aspect of this ambitious plan, which also includes the development of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and hypersonic weapons. These efforts are aimed at enhancing China’s ability to protect its regional and global interests.
The responses of the Department of Defense and the US defense industry have been mixed, but they have been characterized by a growing recognition of the need to accelerate their own modernization programs. Although superior in its capabilities, the F-35 is already in a mature stage of development and may soon reach its technological limits.
In this context, various scenarios for the future of the program are being discussed, including the possibility of reducing production and directing resources to the development of newer, more advanced systems.
The Department of Defense and the U.S. defense industry are actively responding to advances in China’s sixth-generation fighter jet technology. The unveiling of China’s new stealth fighter has sparked debate about the future of the F-35 program and the need to accelerate modernization efforts.
The Pentagon has confirmed that China is developing an advanced stealth fighter jet. Although public statements have been limited, defense analysts see the arrival of these aircraft as a significant development. The Pentagon’s silence on this issue suggests a strategic approach, perhaps to avoid escalating tensions and revealing strategic intentions.
The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, the cornerstone of America’s air combat capabilities, is undergoing a major modernization effort known as Block 4. The effort aims to enhance the aircraft’s hardware and software, including improved radar, advanced weapons systems and collision avoidance. technology. However, the program has faced delays due to software stability issues, impacting the timely delivery of these features.
Additionally, the F-35 program has experienced cost overruns and schedule delays. The Block 4 modernization plan was originally scheduled to be completed in 2026, but has been extended to 2027 to reflect the complexities involved in upgrading such a sophisticated system.
In light of China’s progress, the United States is evaluating its future fighter development strategy. Discussions include possible reductions in F-35 production and the reallocation of resources toward the development of next-generation fighter jets. This strategic shift is aimed at ensuring that the United States maintains its technological superiority in air combat capabilities.
The emergence of China’s sixth-generation fighter jets highlights the dynamic nature of global military aviation. The Department of Defense response and the U.S. defense industry’s modernization efforts are critical to maintaining strategic balance and ensuring the future effectiveness of the U.S. Air Force.
Comparing 5th and 6th generation fighters reveals significant differences. While fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 and J-20 focus on stealth technology and cutting-edge avionics, sixth-generation fighters focus on network-centric warfare, autonomous systems, and fighter jets. New concepts such as managerial skills need to be integrated. A swarm of drones.
These innovations require not only new technologies, but also fundamentally different approaches to fighter aircraft design and use.
Possible innovations for future generations of fighter jets include the development of hypersonic engines that would allow fighter jets to be significantly faster.
The new fighter jet is also expected to be equipped with advanced artificial intelligence systems to enhance situational awareness and assist pilots in real time. Additionally, new materials are being developed to make aircraft lighter, stronger, and less detectable by enemy radar.
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