The F-22 is a “game changer” that simply has no peer in the world of air superiority fighters. Some of the commentary I’ve read here today is quite ignorant of the strategic implications presented by that fact. Air superiority denotes the “high ground” of our time in tactical terms. Those who say that there is no use for such a weapon in an asymmetrical war with “terrorists”, failed states, and detached third-party proxies are simply wrong. Further, it is also foolish to assume that the days of direct confrontation with nation states is forever past. All of the other assets that a modern force might deploy: drones, infantry support helicopters and fixed wing gunships, transports, tankers, and reconaissance planes, all depend upon controlling the airspace. Lightly armed, rapidly deployed, special ops groups that work closely with indigenous groups all require top flight air support. Humanitarian missions and the logistical supply of aid form the air must have an air superiority umbrella. If one cedes the “high ground” it’s real expensive to “buy” it back. The F-22 is a winner worth saving!
Well said! It's not the insurgent with an IED but hostile countries with oil dollars to build a huge war machine that they'll pay off against.