Boeing T-X Begins EMD Flight Tests...We just got our low end fighter/attack/homeland defense interceptor...

For better or worse the USAF just bought us our low end fighter/attack/homeland defense interceptor. 

The performance required for a pure "trainer" is over the top so I'm assuming that these additional functions were baked into the cake (even though they didn't say it out loud).

Good thing too.

But what does that mean for the future?  I'm really not sure.  If past is prologue then we can expect this plane to be around for quite awhile.  Is it upgradeable?  Will it be cost effective?

My thinking is yes.

It does have SAAB DNA so it should be a good performer...while being cost effective at the same time.

We didn't buy the Gripen, but we did manage to get it's little brother.  Overall?  I'm pleased.  Plus they seem to be moving with a sense of urgency. That alone is refreshing.