Originally Posted by
Melchett01
Yes, but that's assuming it even survives longer term in its current form to be considered as the basis for a replacement platform.
But surely, as I've said in earlier posts, it already meets or exceeds the requirement, save for sfc. It's received modern avionics, getting new wing sets, carries what you'd want it to, and also has
that gun. Build more (and developed ones) if you want, but...
Sure, it might not be as 'cheap' to run as some of the proffered 'solutions', but it's here now, is proven to be easy to maintain in the field, easy to operate in austere surroundings & only needs one crew member. It's also threat adaptable, for such times as when the bad guys aren't just goat herds with guns, or angsty teens with MANPADS.