for the role of the main variable fighter of the UN Forces?
The book This Is Animation Special Macross Plus states the VF-4 Lightning III was intended to be the main variable fighter of all branches of the UN Forces from 2020 onward. However, the VF-5000 Star Mirage was a less expensive option that was more maneuverable in an atmosphere than the VF-4 Lightining III. Thus several branches of the UN Forces complemented or replaced their main fighter with the VF-5000 Star Mirage rather than the VF-4 Lightning III. Technically, the VF-4 Lightning III was never officially replaced as main variable fighter until the UN Spacy began adopting the VF-11 Thunderbolt in 2030. Other branches of the UN Forces likely followed suit after 2030.
