Simplified - Military generations: the relationship between technology and the exercise of force

As time passes, technology follows. This naturally influences how different systems operate and perform. This is most apparent in warfare and the exercise of hard power. This symbiotic relationship is evident with the destructiveness of both world wars, and the dawn of the nuclear age. Throughout the 20th century the world has seen large strides taken in the advancements in warfare. This is evident with the classification and denotation of ‘generation’(s), most apparent in two key units: the Main Battle Tank [MBT], and the Fighter Jet.

To explore this concept, we must trace back to the conclusion of the second world war (WW2), acting as the genesis for the system of generational evolution and development. The British Centurion was the pioneer in the generational evolution of the MBT. Unlike prior systems designed in WW2, the revolutionary MBT design focused upon a balance of speed, armour and firepower. In this, we can also witness the evolution of strategic military doctrine into the modern era.

With the second-generation MBT, the next leap in engineers was the emergence of composite armour. First employed by the Soviet T-64 MBT, this not only shows a rapid evolution to military technology but is also highly indicative of the politically turbulent era of the Cold War. This reflects the bi-polar world order wherein a continuous struggle to outgun its binary opposition.

The third-generation of MBT was marked with the M1-Abrahms of the U.S. Key features of this include the rapid advancement of optics, including thermal scopes and laser rangefinders. These innovations highlight the increasing strategic importance that digital technology holds in exercising hard power. The Gulf War was the first major conflict that showed the impact of digitalization on the battlefield. MBT units of this generation are undergoing modernization programmes to maintain combat effectiveness and tactical efficiency. A prime example being the 2020 System Enhancement Package upgrade costing $4.6B (Feickert. Congress.gov. 2025).

The fourth-generation of MBT is marked by the use of autonomous systems, hybrid warfare, and AI integration to enhance situational awareness and operational efficiency. These features are embodied by upcoming designs like the Abrams X and German KF51, with the latter’s “Integrated, unmanned aerial reconnaissance systems enhance the crew's situational awareness” (Rheinmetall. 2022).

The Fighter Jet’s evolution, as with the MBT, is also traced to WW2. The first-generation jets can simply be seen with the shift in technological use from propeller-based to jet-based. A notable example is the infamous German Me-262, employed by the Luftwaffe in the latter phase of WW2. Despite this upgrade from propeller to jet, all first-generation jets were still limited to subsonic speed, not exceeding Mach 1 (the speed of sound).

The second-generation of jets overcame earlier speed limits with the introduction of aircraft capable of exceeding Mach 1. This generation saw a greater degree of standardization to aerodynamics, creating a clear blueprint going forward. Notable examples include the Swedish Saab Drakon 35, and the French Mirage 5 by Dassault, notably employed by the IDF.

In the third-generation of jet fighters, we start to see the emergence of more sophisticated radar and mobility capabilities, further enhancing what has been developed prior with multi-role capabilities. This was especially important as a period, due to the overlap with key conflicts such as the Vietnam War.

The fourth-generation introduced key tactical breakthroughs in military operations. With digital communication systems and limited stealth features becoming a standard component, reflecting the latter phase of the Cold War and the emerging era of American unipolarity.

After 9/11 the shift towards asymmetric warfare demanded aircraft be optimized for flexibility. Considering this, the fifth-generation of fighters held new innovative features suited to the new paradigm of warfare. This period is defined by advanced stealth capabilities, super cruise without afterburners, and deeply integrated avionics for increased combat and flight efficiency. These features are most potently embodied within the USAF’s F-22 Raptor as “the air superiority aircraft of the 21st century” - Gen R.R. Fogleman (Lockheed Martin. 2018). The most notable examples currently in service are the prior mentioned F-22, in addition to the F-35, J-20 and Su-57.

Finally, as we begin to approach the sixth-generation of air supremacy fighters, there is not only a great deal of anticipation as to the effectiveness of these new innovative designs, but additionally how the dynamics of war will be fought. With the role of the human soldier being (especially by the 2030s) uncertain, the use of semi/full autonomous weapons systems will increase. By incorporating machine learning, “the system exploits information from the aircraft to maximize the effect that weapons can deliver” (BAE Systems. 2025). This poses a new frontier and chapter for grand strategy and power projection. Current upcoming models that show promise in projecting hegemonic influence in the sky are the BAE Systems Tempest, F-47 for the US and J-50 for the CCP.

Sources:

Feickert, A. (2025). The Army’s M-1E3 Abrams Tank Modernization Program. [online] Congress.gov. Available at: https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF12495

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Rheinmetall (2022). A new tank for a new era. [online] Rheinmetall. Available at: https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/media/news-watch/news/2022/2022-06-13_a-new-tank-for-a-new-era

. [Accessed 5 Oct. 2025].

Lockheed Martin (2018). F-22 Raptor. [online] Lockheed Martin. Available at: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/f-22.html

. [Accessed 4 Oct. 2025].

BAE Systems (2025). Combat air demonstrator. [online] Baesystems.com. Available at: https://www.baesystems.com/en-uk/uk-businesses/air/the-future-of-combat-air

. [Accessed 5 Oct. 2025].