The USAF Fighter Force Structure in the 2020-2040 Timeframe

The USAF capability gap during transition from 4th to 5th generation aircraft has emerged from a Perfect Storm of interrelated factors. These include the increasing complexity and diversity of national interests and risks; the increase of aging effects on legacy 4th generation aircraft; the repeated schedule delays and cost increases for the F-35 Lightning; and intense domestic pressure on future DOD budgets. The FY10 defense budget was a watershed event for the USAF Fighter Force by which DOD and USAF leaders have effectively double-downed their bets on F-35 fixing the USAF capability gap. This impending train-wreck of unprecedented consequence to USAF combat capability necessitates a cost-effective bridge to transition the fighter fleet from 4th to 5th generation multi-role aircraft. The F-16 Super Falcon is singularly distinctive among potential solutions because the jet is available, affordable, and adaptable to the vast mission requirements of hybrid warfare.