Pardon the ignorance as most of this talk is over the tactical level I think of on a daily basis and moves a lot faster but it seems like this is focusing on lighter fighters as an all or nothing and not the integration of it with everything else. We don’t need a plane, manned or unmanned, that can do everything alone.
I’m sure there has to be a way to scale light fighters, MUMT, AI, etc. discussed on this thread and others. If you have a dedicated platform, like a light fighter, it can be upgraded and advanced with the advancement of the tech. Even the relatively new C-130J is getting a block upgrade finally to give us the ability to finally fly RNAV and its all in the computer(s). Then you can scale to the fight/threat based on the level AI. Low AI, keep it within the Loyal Wingman system where it has close control from a manned fighter. Better AI, let a KC-46/AWACS type C2 system sit back out of the WEZ and pick targets on a map and let them go do their thing.
While you are doing a plug and play with the AI why not the mission focus as well. The concept was used with the Littoral Combat Ships with modular mission modules. Need a missile truck well load the bad boy up with AIM-120s. Need EW/EA, fill the mission bay with jammers. ISR, sensors and a sniper pod or something. Need more range on the link then throw a relay in the plane.
Scale it to the threat with formation make-up. Flying DCA/OCA then probably more missile wingman. SEAD, maybe a mix of EW and missiles. Depending on the level of AI it won’t matter if it’s an F-35 controlling 1-7 of them of a larger C2 plane controlling multiple flights.
Without knowing a lot, a light fighter seems to fit the bill. Small enough RCS to be survivable enough in a peer fight to make the potential loss justifiable with the ALR. Fast enough to employ with manned fighters. It would also be cheaper to employ in a lower level flight were we can now save flight time of manned fighters on other more pressing engagements.
Again, sorry it this is irrelevant to the thread or if I am talking out my ass. It’s been known to happen more times than not. Standing by for spears.
