Reference threat

USAF is looking for ways to improve their red-air opposition training.

Or so they say.

In February, Lt Gen Herbert "Hawk" Carlisle, the USAF's deputy chief of staff for operations, plans and requirements said that it is almost impossible to build a realistic, challenging training scenario for the F-22 and F-35 during real-world exercises. There is no way to replicate the kinds of electronic warfare threats or the sheer scale of enemy opposition that those aircraft might face during a real war except - to certain extent - during some select large-force exercises like Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

The DOD has a real opportunity to see if the F-35 can take on anti-access threats. By using the F-22 as the red-air opponent, we have an idea of what the F-35 will be capable of in these situations. If it can beat the F-22, it can take on the PAK-FA and J-20.

If not, well, the F-35 will be as we fear: obsolete against anti-access threats. We already know the F-35 is too expensive to use for anything else.