The capabilities of both the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightening II are both being taken into account as the services develop the airborne electronic attack “system of systems,” said Maj. Jeff Salem, head of Air Combat Command’s electronic attack requirements shop. (See above) However, although he couldn’t “talk to specifics,” Salem said that the two fighters would be a part of the new AEA landscape. “They will complement each other, but they’re not necessarily tied together,” he added.
Air Force senior statesmen explained the reasons they jointly sent a letter to Congress urging restoration of the E-7 Wedgetail and more F-35s to the fiscal 2026 defense budget.