> but in the context of 2020 and cyber warfare, is there really much value in air combat? Technical fights are surely relevant, but in the worst case you can

> but in the context of 2020 and cyber warfare, is there really much value in air combat? Technical fights are surely relevant, but in the worst case you can 'simply' unplug your overseas fibres and be done with it. Also, if someone simply marches/flies in and destroys your IXPs, your technical superiority gets irrelevant pretty quick. So, you really need to keep up technically with your possible foes. Additionally, it also serves as a demonstration of strength and industry funding. So fighter jets won't be going anywhere, soon.