In article ,
"Paul J. Adam" wrote:

Trouble is, you need to generate enough sorties to protect your own base
and _then_ generate offensive capability... which means you need
numbers, and the rising cost and falling procurement of the Raptor means
it'll be seriously stretched.

That's only if you plan on using only one type of fighter, in small
numbers, for everything.

For airfield and short-range defense, you don't need a stealth plane as
much (although it's a very good force multiplier). We can keep using
upgraded F-15s and F-16s for that, and the F-35 when it comes on line.

For *offense*, though, the new-generation European fighters are going to
have a much more difficult time. There's not going to be that many of
them, either, at the rate they're cutting procurement.

--
cirby at cfl.rr.com

Remember: Objects in rearview mirror may be hallucinations.
Slam on brakes accordingly.