Then design a purpose built “cheap” ISIS killer. Do we really need an entire fleet of fifth generation when the grunt work will be killing terrorists for the next 100 years.
“Then design a purpose built “cheap” ISIS killer. Do we really need an entire fleet of fifth generation when the grunt work will be killing terrorists for the next 100 years.”
I’m fully on board with the idea that the F-35 is overpriced, and so far its performance looks mediocre. We’d better hope for the best though, as too much is on the line to cancel the program. I’ve said from the beginning that we should have bought at least double the number of F-22s, and cut the F-35 buy.
As to what we’ll be doing for the next hundred years, don’t fall into the trap of always fighting the last war.
That said, I already pointed out three “cheap” anti-terrorist options - Apaches, drones and F-16s. If you find a really worthwhile concentration, call in a B-52 or B-1 strike. We have plenty of capability, and the future is wide open as far as drones go. The Apache E costs $35 million a copy, and is very capable - plus it can be forward based near troops.