Welcome - Future of air supremacy

Welcome to the inaugural Defence Connect Special Edition for 2025. As we step into the new year, we are pleased to introduce a refreshed format for our digital magazines, designed to provide our readers with a more engaging and comprehensive experience, offering in-depth coverage of the latest developments in the defence industry both in Australia and around the globe.

As 2024 drew to a close, the year ended with a sense of unease, particularly with the highly publicised debut of China’s Chengdu J-36, which many have speculated to be the world’s first sixth-generation fighter jet. Even seasoned aviation and national security experts were left in awe by the leaked footage. However, as is often the case with capabilities showcased by authoritarian regimes, the truth may be far more complex than the headlines suggest. After all, it’s now evident that the Russian military, despite its advanced technology, is still struggling in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Against this backdrop, this edition turns its focus to the next generation of aviation capabilities from around the world, though we approach these developments with a healthy dose of scepticism, recognising that reality often falls short of the ambitious claims made by those behind them.

I would like to express my gratitude to our contributors, senior journalist Robert Dougherty and analyst Steve Kuper, whose dedication to uncovering the latest in military aviation has been unwavering. They have meticulously examined the capabilities of the J-36, the much-hyped Su-57, and Chinese drones, delving into their potential impact on the future of air supremacy. Their expert analysis also takes readers behind the scenes to explore the advancements within the Apache, F-35B and B-21 programs.

I would also like to extend my thanks to the team at DroneShield for their invaluable insights into counter-drone technologies, which are poised to play a pivotal role on the modern battlefield.

As always, should you have any questions or thoughts, please feel free to reach out to me or any member of the Defence Connect team. We look forward to engaging with you throughout this exciting year ahead.