Naval versions of the multi-mission Joint Strike Fighter are being designed for use in the 21st century, even as the Super Hornet enters production. Eventually, unmanned combat aerial vehicles could be an important component of the naval fighter force. Navies around the world are working hard to prepare for a time when they will have fewer aircraft types to perform expanded missions, as life-cycle and operating costs become as important as aircraft capability. Led by the U.S. Navy's efforts to reduce the different types of combat aircraft the service deploys, naval planners are striving to make sure the new aircraft they will utilize can perform a multitude of missions as well as their predecessors and at substantially lower cost.
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