If they’re already looking for the Next Generation Air Dominance plane, why did they make the F35?
This one is the “Next-Next-Next-Next Generation Air Dominance plane.”
F-35 was never designed or presented as an air superiority fighter. It’s a replacement for the f-16, not the f-22. Even so, it has completely dominated air combat exercises, since everyone else is flying 4th gen fighters. Like the f-22, the NGAD will be produced in small numbers. 200 per the linked article.
The F-35 was never billed as an air dominance fighter. It is a multi role replacement for several types.
“If they’re already looking for the Next Generation Air Dominance plane, why did they make the F35?”
Two totally different missions.
Just like the F-15 and the F-22 before it, the NGAD’s role is to engage and destroy enemy fighter aircraft through stealth, maneuver, and superior firepower.
The F-35 is designed to use stealth to get in and drop bombs.