I think both that the US will get a 4.5-gen F-16 replacement for “cheaper” flight hours and less complex tasks than F-35. When that happens (I feel it’s when no

I think both that the US will get a 4.5-gen F-16 replacement for “cheaper” flight hours and less complex tasks than F-35. When that happens (I feel it’s when not if at this point) it’s likely some of the F-35 buyers will wonder whether they too should have had multiple tiers of craft. A really small Air Force likely can’t afford fielding and maintaining multiple types of fighter though. So they are stuck with the possibly unnecessarily high flight hour costs. I also think that dispersed deployment and simpler operation like 20 minute turnaround with a 3 man crew like the Gripen will be something all air forces including the USAF will master. Finland has always done this with their F-18s and they’ll continue to do it with F-35. It’ll be a bit more demanding no doubt, but they’ll make it work.