[d4vlx]

I think he is referring to the F-35 only here. On military discussion forums it is the consensus that the F-35 is superior to everything else out there with the only exception being that the F-22 has superior air to air combat capabilities.

[bjelkeman-again]

I have seen interviews with Norwegian pilots responsible for integrating F-35 into Norway’s airforce. Reading between the lines was that it seemed “complex”. I’m not site it is buggy, or overly complicated or what.

[dgfitz]

I heard a story the other day where kids tried to steal either a Bentley or a Porsche, and could not figure out how to get it into drive.

Is that a feature or a bug?

[ashoeafoot]

Its a sign of task saturation present even when not in combat.

Also why get all proud and defensive? Its a dead program now. Europe and other regions will buy homespun.

[chgs]

Dollar for dollar is the f35 or a drone superior?

[justin66]

“A drone” could mean literally anything from a twenty dollar quadcopter to the next generation $300M NGAD system.

[dharmab]

There is currently no drone that can replace everything the F-35 does. There might be one in the future, and it will likely be the most expensive aircraft ever made (see the two NGAD programs' unmanned components)

[dragontamer]

No drone can take out a CRAM (aka: RADAR aimbot shooting bullets into the sky).

Meanwhile, a helicopter with an anti-radiation missile can take out CRAM, let alone a stealth F35. F35 (and F16) are the next step after helicopters: you send F35 when enemy antiair is good enough to threaten helis.

[tim333]

Couldn't you just fit your drone with an anti-radiation missile?

[dharmab]

ARMs generally require a supporting electronic warfare suite to be effectively employed. EW equipment draws a lot of electrical power, so you need a large aircraft with large engines. This is against current drone trends, though it is likely such drones will eventually be deployed.

Another challenge is that ARMs are designed to fight air defense systems that could potentially include equipment to jam drones. Concepts for future drones include a "drone commander" manned aircraft nearby (as opposed to an easier to jam remote operator) and onboard AI to make autonomous combat decisions.

Overall the drone likely won't be much cheaper than an F-35. But it can be sent on suicidal missions without risking a human crew.

[dragontamer]

None of the drone people are talking about today are the Predator drone we were using 20 years ago in Afghanistan.

But yes. Large drones (like Predator) can launch missiles. But the news is about smaller drones that are being used to cheaply send small grenades over large distances.

[raverbashing]

Dollar for dollar a $10 net takes out a drone