USAF Chief Launches Requirements Study

[tomahawk6]

Gen Brown is looking to replace the F16 and wants a broad study to help in that process.

'Clean Sheet' F-16 Replacement In The Cards: CSAF Brown - Breaking Defense

"In the budget for FY 23, that's where I see that we'll really make some key decisions" about the tactical air fleet, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown says.

breakingdefense.com

 

[tomahawk6]

IMO the USAF mighT look at something based on the F18.

 

[CBH99]

IMO the USAF mighT look at something based on the F18.

I doubt it, personally.

What makes the F-16 such an appealling jet is that they are decently cheap to acquire, cheap to maintain & operate, and extremely capable jets.

If replacing the F-16 fleet entirely with F-35's looks like it may not happen, I think the USAF would just go ahead with new build F-16's to refresh their fleet. The training pipeline is well established, as well as the infrastructure & maintenance practices.

Switching to something along the lines of the Super Hornet would be more work than it needs to be.

 

[tomahawk6]

good point