beepa wrote:Wouldn't surprise if there were more calls for an expression of interest in the B21. If the US allow export sales and the price is not too exorbitant, it may be a good fit for long range ship sinking.
Very much agree, given the recently expressed intent of long-range strike capability that can change a potential enemy's calculus, would be indisputably provided by B-21 and complementary systems of systems, plus weapons, much of which already exists.
But this looks like more F-35, possibly with loyal-wingman, and potential to acquire whatever USN replaces SH BlockIII with (extending NGJ) down the road. More OTHR early warning energy plus more AWACS and a comparatively huge boost in missile defense and related systems.
IMO the continental air and missile defense should include 4 sqns x 12 F-35A each, with the 4 new smaller sqns dedicated to continental air defense, using long-range sensors against bombers and tactical strikers including anti-cruise missile early warning to provide target-quality data feed to short-range high performance SAM defenses around main operating bases and naval ports (think NASAM and CAMM).
But use the original 4 x 24 F-35A (proposed) as an offensive force along with F/A-18F/G force for attack and EA support.
MQ-4 for ISR, SkyGuardian uses JSM for anti-ship strike, P-8A + LRASM to crack bigger units plus anti-sub, then Romeos on DDG and frigate, all supported by both the defensive and offensive F-35 sqns.
So ...
(4 x 24) = 96 Offensive
(4 x 12) = 48 Defensive
12 for development, testing and attrition replacements
TOTAL = 156 x F-35Add 12 x B-21 for credible long-range strike.
I don't see unfriendly powers being too keen to tangle with that, especially in Alliance context.