I’m not 100% sure how I’d tackle this problem, but the plane you described could play a roll.  It’s not poorly thought out by any means. Generally, I’m a fan of a diverse set of assets for survivability and cost.  Focus on specific missions instead of trying to do everything.  For Air-to-Air the Mig-21 Bison is an interesting example of upgradable lower tech aircraft.[1]  Currently, I think the ability to go fast is still an asset to defeat missiles and would be a severe limitation of a slower platform (okay if it’s unmanned and cheap though). High tech stealthier fighters with lower tech fighters and drones in support.  Mainly all working as missile trucks or targeting platforms.<p>For a mission such as Close Air Support the perfect tools are the AC-130 [2] and the Super Tacano. [3]  For Strike I think drones, cruise missiles, and JSOW [4] are the main way to go.  As for Air-to-Air, a mix of assets is critical so defeating one doesn’t defeat others, and they can’t all depend on one commonality such as GPS.  Would probably keep a few high tech and more lower tech manned bombers available and ready too.<p>Complicated, interesting problem with strategy, logistics, and politics all involved, but the bankrupt the country super weapons definitely is the correct course in my opinion.<p>[1] <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;forum.keypublishing.com&#x2F;showthread.php?121375-MiG-21-still-unpleasant-surprise-at-Cope-India-exercise-how-so" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;forum.keypublishing.com&#x2F;showthread.php?121375-MiG-21-...</a><p>[2] <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;en.wikipedia.org&#x2F;wiki&#x2F;Lockheed_AC-130" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;en.wikipedia.org&#x2F;wiki&#x2F;Lockheed_AC-130</a><p>[3] <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;en.wikipedia.org&#x2F;wiki&#x2F;Embraer_EMB_314_Super_Tucano" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;en.wikipedia.org&#x2F;wiki&#x2F;Embraer_EMB_314_Super_Tucano</a><p>[4] <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;en.wikipedia.org&#x2F;wiki&#x2F;AGM-154_Joint_Standoff_Weapon" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;en.wikipedia.org&#x2F;wiki&#x2F;AGM-154_Joint_Standoff_Weapon</a>