I grew up with Top Gun, so I get excited thinking about dog fighting, but in the context of 2020 and cyber warfare, is there really much value in air combat? When is the last time two sides actually engaged fighter jets?
I'm probably blissfully unaware how relevant they are, but it just feels like a massive waste of money continuing to build these projects.
> but in the context of 2020 and cyber warfare, is there really much value in air combat?
Technical fights are surely relevant, but in the worst case you can 'simply' unplug your overseas fibres and be done with it. Also, if someone simply marches/flies in and destroys your IXPs, your technical superiority gets irrelevant pretty quick.
So, you really need to keep up technically with your possible foes. Additionally, it also serves as a demonstration of strength and industry funding. So fighter jets won't be going anywhere, soon.
I'm probably blissfully unaware how relevant they are, but it just feels like a massive waste of money continuing to build these projects.