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| F-35B (Click to Enlarge) |
By Robbin Laird
Many analysts and politicians have discussed the F-35 as if it was a simple replacement aircraft. And in such conversations, the notion of stealth is seen as a high-end capability needed only sparingly and in specialized circumstances.
If this were true, the Marines would not be prioritizing the F-35Bs as a core asset.
For they are not configured to fight for only a few specialized days. Their F-35s are not conceived of in any way as if they were high end F-117s designed for air defense suppression and little else.
The F-35B for the Marines is seen as a C5ISR aircraft which can able the MAGTF, the joint force and coalition forces. It is seen as a key enabler for the sea base, for the amphibious insertion force and for land operations.
Read the full story at Second Line of Defense