Over time, if the future is given fair chances to compete on the merits of solving the right problems, new technologies such as intelligent machines could transition from enhancing traditional platforms to replacing them. The same incremental experimentation will also help to define important new roles and missions for our more traditional systems. One that stands out is homeland defense. Short-range, manned fighter jets, for example, may become less relevant in a potential war against China. But those aircraft could find a vital new role closer to home as the need to strengthen our homeland
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