Now that the F-22 has been mentioned, it is probably the right time to readdress the “swarm” issue. The numbers of F-22 and F-35 platforms are finite, due to game playing with acquisition. In theory the F-22 line was shut down and dismantled early to insure the acquisition of the F-35 which due to cost is also a finite asset. Both aircraft are state of the art, but in relatively limited numbers. In tests they beat the opposition hands down, but can they survive a numbers game in a real war on a foreign battlefield with the difficulty of logistical supply, and other factors?
A question difficult to answer when considering perhaps China as the adversary. An example that comes to mind, would be the undergunned, middle weight WWII American tank the Sherman, that pretty much had to resort to tactics to survive against the Germans until there were enough of them to virtually swarm the enemy. Cost was not a factor for the US, as the sherman was built with cost in mind. A potential winner with the right numbers and tactics, but built with cost and numbers as the primary drivers. Just my HO.
An excellent commentary, I share your thoughts (except I’ll withhold comment on the JSF). ;-)
Swarming with an unlimited number can work but would you like to be one of those throw-away as part of a swarm? Personally I’d rather not be “expendable, but that’s just me.
The LIMFAC we have is number of weapons. That’s a tough one.
IMHO.
Cheers