Pentagon eyeing new mission for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter: ballistic missile defense

[F-22Raptor]

The Defense Department is exploring a potential new mission for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter: ballistic missile defense, according to a senior DOD official. The move could leverage sensors on the planned fleet of 2,456 new stealthy aircraft the U.S. military plans to buy in the coming decades to help detect and track enemy launches. Missile Defense Agency Director Lt. Gen. Sam Greaves revealed the new development in written testimony prepared for a March 22 hearing of the Senate Armed...

https://insidedefense.com/daily-new...oint-strike-fighter-ballistic-missile-defense

 

[Taygibay]

And, every time you add a mission
to the Lighting II's worksheet . . .
it helps justify the program's cost.

Good day to you, Tay.

 

[Oldman1]

And, every time you add a mission
to the Lighting II's worksheet . . .
it helps justify the program's cost.

Good day to you, Tay.

The F-35 is already capable of tracking ballistic missiles. Have proven already. Heck I watched a video of ground based version of DAS tracking missiles. Its already in the plane. They just didn't utilize it that much, just only for tracking aircraft or ground targets from a distance.