[CivilWarBrewing]

Yep. Perhaps F-22 exceeds budget. I think F/A-18E/F's are the way to go. Perhaps a mix of F/A-18's and F-15 Super Eagles are the way to go.

How could anyone NOT love the F/A-18, a timeless thing of beauty?

[Red Badger]

‘Stealth’ is good only until someone figures out a way to see it........................

[sukhoi-30mki]

The F/A-18 is a new type for the USAF. The F-15/16 have been in service for ages so the USAF and its personnel are very familiar with them and have a well-oiled logistics framework in place. A new type aircraft would have higher costs (esp if the number is likely to be low) and would take longer to induct and put into operation.