Um... given modern technology, that’s something the -16 can do for itself. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AGM-88_HARM - to name just one possible response. In fact, we use F-16s to do that duty now: https://www.defensetech.org/2017/06/22/air-forces-f-16-wild-weasels-hunt-missile-sites-destroy/
No F-35 required.
A HARM works well but it requires an active radar which SAM sites turn off when the plane gets in HARM range.
So the F-15 roams around just outside HARM range while the F-35 comes in low and nails the site
I always thought the F-105 was an interesting choice to serve as a Wild Weasel plane...it seemed so big and ungainly...
Being a Wild Weasel pilot is a hell of a way to earn a living!
If you follow some of the Wiki links, it seems the Israelis intercepted an SA-5 missile with an Arrow AA missile back in March.
“The F-15 or 16 gets the SAM to light it up and the F-35 sneaks in and nails the site.” [AppyPappy, post 2]
“Um... given modern technology, that’s something the -16 can do for itself. ... In fact, we use F-16s to do that duty now ...” [Spktyr, post 4]
When it was announced that the F-16C would replace the F-4G in the SEAD mission, that portion of the community who knew what was going on objected strongly, but it was over-ruled by senior leadership, who thought they knew better (fighter pilots always believe that).
The F-16 doesn’t accomplish the mission well. It is also 40-year-old technology, and the airframe is out of production: logistically not supportable, in the near to mid term.
The F-35 will accomplish the mission better, as it survives combat better. And it will last longer.
EA-6B Prowlers and now EA-18G Growlers have used the HARM for years and have a better detection system than the F-16CJ’s. Just ask Saddam Hussein.