In the January issue, you asked whether fifth-generation fighters such as the F-35 would be the deciding factor in tomorrow's conflict.Frontline fighter aircraft are at the top of the warplane food chain. Without a leading-edge modern fighter, air superiority over the battle space cannot be achieved and the aerial tankers, transports, electronic recon aircraft and helicopters cannot operate safely, if at all.History is replete with battles and entire wars lost because of lack of air superiority.In the early 1930s Poland had one of the best fighter planes in the world but by 1939 the PZL P. 7 was thoroughly bested by the Messerschmitt B 109. The UK had a much better outcome in 1940 because the Supermarine Spitfire was the technical equal of the Bf 109.
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