The end of the Cold War meant that the risk of an all-out global armed conflict became a history. Following decades, especially the period after the 9/11 attacks brought forwards a new era of asymmetric warfare, operations other than war (OOTW) and counter terrorism operations. These concepts require new technologies and systems for the modern warfighter. 

Combat aircraft design is no exception. The importance of network enabled capability, high speed and robust information sharing through advanced data link systems and precision-guided strike capabilities are at the top of requirement lists. Tomorrow’s fighter aircraft will not just be platforms to counter adversaries’ equivalent platforms. Instead, they will be integrated elements of a network-centric war fighting organism.