Honestly I think the drone approach is where the smart money is. You could build many, many jet-engined drones that can provide air support over a wide area an

Honestly I think the drone approach is where the smart money is. You could build many, many jet-engined drones that can provide air support over a wide area and would be fairly difficult for anyone to shoot down. The cost per unit would be low enough that you wouldn't particularly care if you lose a few here and there. I have to think some nation is going to pursue the swarm of drones idea and once it's proven in combat the whole air power paradigm will shift.