• Ultra-long-range air-to-air missiles are being developed.
• Collaborative Combat Aircraft will enter service around 2029.
• Adaptive cycle engines are being developed for 6th-generation fighter jets.
• Next-generation thermal management is a key engineering hurdle.
• AI technologies are being integrated into future aircraft.
• Space-based tracking is a high-priority sensing program.
• Open architecture and rapid iteration are critical to future air war.

These next-gen technologies may indicate a significant shift in air combat capabilities, with a focus on longer-range engagements and increased use of autonomous systems. The development of adaptive cycle engines and advanced thermal management systems suggests a priority on fuel efficiency and electronic warfare capabilities, which could change the nature of air combat.