The Pentagon’s QDR report (here), released Feb. 3, dramatically elevates long-range strike aircraft over fighters. The section “Joint Air Capabilities” says US airpower “must be reoriented” to emphasize “systems that have far greater range and persistence; larger and more flexible payloads … and the ability to penetrate and sustain operations in denied areas.” These systems should be able to swiftly attack “thousands of fixed and mobile targets at global ranges,” says the report.” The QDR says nothing comparable—in fact, almost nothing at all—about fighters such as the F-22 and F-35.
While the Space Force is still making long-term plans to establish high-fidelity live and virtual test and training ranges in the coming years, officials say they're also working with operators to identify near-term gaps and quickly field capabilities to address them.
