> This new fighter would not replace the F-35, but would instead be used in place of 4th generation fighters like the F-16 Fighting Falcon. But wasn't the F-35

> This new fighter would not replace the F-35, but would instead be used in place of 4th generation fighters like the F-16 Fighting Falcon. But wasn't the F-35 already meant to replace the F-16? As well as the F-15, F-18, A-10 and a whole slew of other planes? I guess this means they finally figured out that was unrealistic. > The Air Force has already begun purchasing a slew of new old fighters in the 4th generation F-15EX, which will replace aging F-15 Eagles in the branch’s inventory. So they're buying new F-15s now? That's a plane from the 1970s, right? That sounds like a testament of good those designs were, and how little has effectively improved in the 40+ years since then. I mean, obviously this new F-15 will have all the best new high-tech computer, radar, targeting gear that will probably also end up in the F-35, but the airframe is apparently still a solid design, as long as you don't need stealth and VTOL.