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The advantage of the F-35 is the nature of the global fleet. Allied and American F-35s, whether
USAF, USN, or USMC, can talk with one another and set up the distributed operational system.

Such a development can allow for significant innovation in shaping the air combat cloud for dis-
tributed operations in support of the Joint Force Commander.

Other sensor capabilities will be provided by evolving robotic capabilities, under the
sea, on the sea and in the air.

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Another game-changing capability of the F-35 global fleet will be its ability to function within a wolf pack, utiliz-
ing all of the deployed assets for control of 360 degree space. One analyst referred to the capability of the fleet to
operate as a roving motorcycle gang in disrupting adversary capabilities and responses. (Credit: Bigstock)

The concept of an operating wolf pack whereby robotic elements outside of the fleet and
inside the planes themselves will make a stealth-sensors dynamic as a solid foundation
for the weapons revolution.

We are currently putting 3rd and 4th generation weapons on 5th generation aircraft.

This makes little sense.

With a plane that can see significantly further than the weapons it carries can operate,
the capabilities of the plane are being limited by the past, rather than enabling a new
strike enterprise future.

But the link to the third S – speed – is off-boarding of weapons is what I wish to high-
light here.

Second Line of Defense December 2014

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