Originally Posted by
malcrf
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If the premise is a platform for launching long range cruise missiles, where does the LO come into it?
And to be frank I think we're going to find the F35's a) stealth a bit of a myth and b) lack of range distinctly inhibiting!
Great plane if we want to stealthily bomb the French!
I was thinking about the Bucc-a-like in that context and not specifically an F35. Let's not turn this into another Fanboy vs Pte Fraser thread! However, long-range cruise still have a stand-off range from counter action based on the distance from ADIZ from the target and the missile range. Best counter to a long-range A/L missile threat is still kill the bomber, which means long-range radar and interceptors*. Which means you still need to think about your signatures.
Personally I'd rather colonise than bomb France. Oh, wait, we already are......
* Although destroying the launch base is the obviously the absolute best option......