Best combat record, yes. But the most capable in the world right now is the F-22.
Unfortunately that assembly line was shut down far too early in order to save the F-35 that is a slow-motion train wreck.
Unfortunately that assembly line was shut down far too early in order to save the F-35 that is a slow-motion train wreck.
According to this 2009 article, Obama and McCain helped canx the F22
I’m sure there is an ideal balance between Technology, capability, cost, total aircraft numbers, per type, in order to cover all contingencies. Technology in my mind can be sacraficed to some degree in order to have numbers and not severely limit capability. What you lose in aircraft capability in order to have a larger force can be made up to some degree with pilot skill. I think total numbers are more important than having an overly capable platform but in limited numbers, and that seems to be what is happening to all aircraft types in general. The force shrinks as capabilities increase. If you run up against a contingency where numbers matter, and you suffer heavy losses, then what?