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| RoK Sejong the Great class Aegis Destroyer |
By Zachary Keck
It’s no coincidence that the Asian nations with Aegis combat systems are also the ones buying the F-35.
When it comes to understanding emerging military technologies, and the geopolitical implications that flow from them, few can top the analysis of Second Line of Defense.
A case in point is understanding the synergy of the Aegis combat system and the F-35 in the Asia-Pacific. For years now, Second of Line of Defense analysts have emphasized how the interaction between the F-35 and the Aegis combat system would greatly enhance U.S. and allied military power in the region. For example, in the January 2012 issue of Proceedings Magazine, Robin Laird, SLD co-founder and friend of The Diplomat, noted that the Aegis would serve as the “wingman” for F-35 pilots. As Laird explained:
Upcoming tests will support a launch/engage-on-remote concept that links the Aegis ship to remote sensor data, increasing the coverage area and responsiveness. Once this capability is fully developed, SM-3 missiles––no longer constrained by the range of Aegis radar to detect an incoming missile––can be launched sooner and therefore fly farther to defeat the threat.
Imagine this capability linked to an F-35, which can see more than 800 miles throughout a 360-degree approach. U.S. allies are excited about the linkage prospects and the joint evolution of two highly upgradable weapon systems. Combining Aegis with the F-35 means joining their sensors for wide-area coverage.
Read the full story at The Diplomat