The U.S. State Department has approved an Indonesian request to buy F-15EX Fighters:
Critics claim the F-15EX is based on an old design and can’t survive against advanced defenses. Yet with a large bombload that could include hypersonic missiles, conformal fuel tanks to smooth out its shape and confer some degree of stealth against radar, as well as 21st Century avionics and radar, the F-15EX appears to be a formidable platform. Indonesia could end up with a semi-stealthy aircraft based on a proven design that may avoid the cost and reliability problems that have plagued the F-35 and F-22.
36 planes (plus another 42 french planes). At least it will be enough to deter the Dutch should they desire to restore their colonial empire. Other than that the primary strategic interest in these planes may be to keep the generals happy.
But maybe they are also buying long range reconnaissance drones, but that doesn’t get any sexy headlines.
The utility of manned aircraft in future power projection lies largely in the role of motherships for coordinating packs of unmanned platforms; instead of one giant airplane with a bunch of stuff networked through wires, you have a bunch of littler planes with a bunch of stuff networked through directional comms. Sensor and weapons platforms/loitering munitions ranging ahead of the manned node, sending information back, effectively extending their surveillance and engagement envelopes, for both attacking enemy platforms and intercepting long range munitions trying to go past, along with spotting for ground based theater ordnance for ‘push button’ engagement times.