SA-20

Apparently the biggest threat we face is the SA-20 . It seems strange to me that we would retire the F-117 while aware of this threat to 4th generation "conventional" aircraft. I can't help but think that the F-117 was retired because its already been replaced. And not by the F-22, which we simply don't have enough of, or the F-35 which isn't even in sight yet. The F-117 existed in our arsenal for nearly a decade before being revealed to the public. I imagine we have a similar situation now, with a second-generation tactical stealth attack craft available. If its not a F/A type plane, then I would think we at least have a highly capable (deadly) stealth UCAV ready.

As for the SA-20, its fortunate that we have purchased some for evaluation and that they are used in NATO exercises by former Eastern Bloc countries, so we at least have some kind of plan for defeating them.

B-52 begins retirement

The first of 18 B-52H's have been retired for funding reasons. I wonder if the Air Force will have any planes left by the time it gets the F-35.