F-35 Cancelled, then what ?

[typerated]

http://www.airpower.maxwell.af.mil/d...-Pietrucha.pdf


Owch.


Conclusion

It is time for a rational discussion of the F-35. Such a dialogue would
have to be free from the vacuum of a notional volume of contested airspace
and consider the context of the complete CAF enterprise and its
application across the globe. The F-35 program has long since passed the
point where we can expect it to provide a substantial improvement in a
broad war-fighting context over its predecessors. Designed for a European
conflict that did not occur and a threat environment less advanced
than the present one, the F-35 program offers little improvement over its
predecessors and demands vast resources from diminishing funds.

Following the example of the Comanche program, we should consider
cancelling the F-35 in favor of a robust, modernized CAF that emphasizes
broad capabilities rather than occupying the short-range
stealthy niche. Facing a decade of reduced budgetary authority, we
must follow a prudent path towards recovery after more than 20 years
of continuous combat operations. Doing so will help address a number
of collateral issues, including force readiness, global reach, and the inventory
of fighter/attack aircrews. Viable alternatives to the F-35 exist
if we have the courage to examine them. 