The Way Forward for America's Fighter Force

A shift in warfare has taken place at an increasing rate since 2004 -- a shift that is more toward irregular warfare than conventional and employed by non-state actors. This shift toward irregular warfare is not entirely abandoning the concept of conventional warfare but rather a hybrid form of the two. Hybrid warfare demands changes to the way the United States modernizes its air forces at a critical time in light of fiscal constraints. Reduced defense spending will force a change to the way the United States military presents its air forces, specifically its fighters. Joint Strike Fighter costs and timelines may make a wholesale move to the F-35 impossible at this time, but the United States Air Force may have part of the answer on the drawing board. Air Combat Command s effort in OA-X could lead to a hybrid fighter fleet that if properly fielded throughout the Total Force could be the way forward. A fleet of legacy fighters, OA-X, and fifth generation fighters coupled with cost benefits of the Air National Guard could reduce defense spending and increase Building Partnership Capacity while providing an air force that can fight any fight.