USAF now planning on using 4th gen fighters in contested airspace?

Thanks to William for the link!

via Janes IHS

It is intended that the SHiELD pod would better enable the USAF's fourth-generation fighter fleet, such as the Boeing F-15 Eagle and Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon, to survive in contested airspace. The fifth-generation Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II would probably not carry the pod, as it would negate their stealth characteristics.

So wait one gawd damn minute.

All the F-35 fanboys have been stating that 4th gen fighters won't be entering contested airspace. The F-35 and F-22 would have to clear the way to "make it safe" for them.

Now the Air Force is building a pod so our 4th gen fighters can enter that fight?   It appears that planning for the future USAF fleet is changing.  I wonder what they're not telling us.