Introduction

The question of whether the F-35 Lightning II will completely replace the F/A-18 Super Hornets and E/A-18 Growlers on all carrier air wings has been a topic of much debate. This article delves into the current and projected roles of these aircraft, highlighting their unique capabilities and the limitations of the F-35.

Future of Electronic Attack

Electronic Attack in an Autonomous Era:

Electronic Attack (EA) is a complex and vital operation in modern naval warfare. The current EA platform, the E/A-18G Growler, is proving to be a significant asset. However, it is unlikely that the next EA platform will be based on the F-35. Instead, a new concept known as Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) is gaining traction. These CCA systems, also known as Loyal Wingman, are essentially drones under the control of a manned aircraft, typically an F-35 or the yet-to-be-developed F/A-XX NGAD.

CCA drones will greatly enhance the operational flexibility and effectiveness of EA missions. By detaching the actual transmission activity to the drone, the controlling aircraft can maintain its stealth, thereby increasing its battlefield survivability. As artificial intelligence (AI) technology advances, these drones will increasingly take on more autonomous functions, but the role of the human pilot will likely persist for the next decade or more.

The transition to CCA drones, while significant, will not replace the E/A-18G Growler entirely. It is more likely that CCA drones will augment the capabilities of the Growler, rather than replacing it outright. This transition might take another 10 to 20 years, as the technology matures and proves its worth in operational scenarios.

The F-35 Lightning II and the F/A-18 Super Hornet

Operational Cost and Reliability:

The F/A-18 Super Hornet has proven its value on the battlefield, boasting a lower operational cost and high reliability. These qualities make it a preferred choice for many nations, including the United States Navy (USN). The F-35 Lightning II, while more advanced, still faces significant challenges in terms of reliability and operational efficiency. Numerous design flaws have been discovered over time, leading to periodic groundings of F-35 fleets. This highlights the fact that the USN would be reluctant to abandon their Super Hornets and Growlers in favor of F-35s solely due to these issues.

Current Replacements:

While the F-35 may not replace the F/A-18 in all contexts immediately, it is already starting to assume roles previously filled by the F/A-18C. The F-35 is specifically designed for carrier use, making it a suitable replacement for the baseline F/A-18 Hornets. However, in the future, it is reasonable to anticipate that all F/A-18s will indeed be replaced by a new aircraft, though it need not be the F-35 if a more cost-effective or capable alternative emerges.

In the near term, the USN is focusing on replacing the air defense role for carrier groups with a 6th generation development under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. This new aircraft will complement the F-35 and F/A-18 aircraft in their respective roles, rather than replacing them entirely.

Conclusion

The F-35 Lightning II is a significant advancement in aerial warfare, offering numerous advantages over the F/A-18 Super Hornets and E/A-18 Growlers. However, it is unlikely to completely replace these aircraft overnight. The transition will be gradual, driven by technological advancements and the liabilities of the F-35. As we move into the next decade, the introduction of CCA drones and the development of the NGAD program will usher in a new era of naval aviation, but both the F-35 and F/A-18 will play essential roles in the foreseeable future.