The U.S. Air Force has said it aims to meet electronic warfare needs using next-generation aircraft such as Lockheed Martin Corp’s F-35 fighter and a new long-range bomber, rather than older planes like Boeing’s EA-18G Growler, Reuters news agency has reported.
Air Combat Command Commander General Herbert Carlisle told journalists that the F-35 offered “some pretty impressive” electronic warfare capabilities, according to Reuters. Those include the capability of jamming enemy signals. In addition, the U.S. Air Force leadership is looking to new aircraft – such as a proposed bomber – to also provide electronic warfare capabilities.
“With the limited (budget), you’ve got to think harder about buying brand new legacy airplanes versus the next generation as we go forward,” Carlisle told reporters.
