The last couple generations of fighters have moved away from airframes that are passively stable (imagine a car or something that requires no control to remain

The last couple generations of fighters have moved away from airframes that are passively stable (imagine a car or something that requires no control to remain upright). Newer designs are only stable when their attitude is constantly monitored and adjusted by control software. (To continue the metaphor, imagine a Segway or a pogo stick, more agile than a car) The benefit you get from giving up passive stability is increased maneuverability in the case of fighters.