Which is the point.
The USN state that within 5 years the stealth capability of the F-35 will be insufficient to penetrate modern AD systems without EW support. It can't be internal, because that defeats the whole purpose/ effectiveness of the stealth - so they will use the F-18G with NGJ as a stand-off jammer pending a UCAV escort jammer.
The point being an cadjunct jammer platform will be required, ideally MADL compatible or linked through an ACN.
The RAAF will be OK if they operate in a similar manner. Other forces have to decide if they wish to go down the same path, either by finding the extra cash for the adjunct platform, or reducing their F-35 buy by enough to buy a mixed force. The issue being every jammer platform reduces the number of strike platforms which can be bought-
It raises the further issue that for a carrier force each jammer platform displaces a strike platform; and for the USMC and RN no Suitable STOVL platforms exist.
The USMC could operate with the USN jammers, though that again compromises their carrier strategy; what does the RN do?
I suppose the UK can accept they will have no Day 1 capability against a modern force, we'll never have the numbers or ability to fight one except in a US lead coalition anyway, and it should be good enough to fight against a 3rd world military such as The Argentine.
As long as the carrier can get within 100nm of the coast and the targets aren't more than 150nm inland. Because ignoring the lack of a suitable EW platform, that lack of organic AAR is a real capability killer.
Last edited by ORAC; 12th Feb 2013 at 09:21.