Does the United States need to develop new tactical fighter aircraft at this time?
Main arguments of those favoring development of a new fighter. The United States must develop a next-generation fighter if we are to maintain a technological lead in the development and production of combat aircraft. Soviet Mig 29s and Su 27s are roughly comparable to current U.S. fighters in combat capabilities, and European aerospace industries are likely to produce more advanced aircraft in the years ahead. These aircraft could pose serious threats in regional conflicts in the next century, when we would also face serious threats from more advanced air defenses. When the F-22 enters service after 2005, many U.S. Air Force and Navy fighters (developed in the mid-1970s) will be about 30 years old. Moreover, they may be outnumbered by comparable or better foreign aircraft, given recent procurement trends and projected force reductions. Currently operational fighters cannot be further modified to provide the stealth and other combat capabilities needed to cope with the air defenses many
