OU812!

Yeah, looks like we're not the only ones rethinking the purchase of a crazy expensive jet fighter that nobody can really explain the need for.

Fighters such as the F35 JSF, F22 Raptor or Sukhoi PAK FA are known as 5th generation fighters. While they look neat and sexy, the concept of these fighters was developed during the cold war or at the end of it when the only real enemy either side have known was other guy staring at them from the other end of the Fulda Gap. Since the end of the cold war, both the US and Russia have been involved the in the small brutish little wars that have seen fit to thaw out such as Bosnia, Kosovo, Chechnya, Afghanistan, Georgia where the need for an air to air superiority jet fighter really hasn't been needed to the extent they were envisioned.

So what both us and the Russians end up with is a 20-30 year old concept fighter that neither side has even yet to field in numbers that really matter.

Take a look at also how each side views the future world. The US sees that we've left the cold war days behind and face a world where the tools of the cold war may not be the best to keep in the tool box. The US sees that the world it faces presents the complex problems found in irregular warfare and it has to be prepared to meet those challenges. The Russians have their own view point, rightly so. They see energy and energy access as key to their national security (BTW, has anybody seen their latest national security strategy, it's late!!). They've stated that they will take the neccessary measures to keep that access open, and that apparently requires new equipment that is geared towards convential combat. If that's the case, then that means good old fashioned fightin!



Honestly, I'm not sure either the US or Russia has got this one completely figured out, but not buying the 5th generation fighters is probably the best for all, it's just a waste of money better spent elsewhere like joint training exercises! Sphere: Related Content