answer:The new F-35 has a much smaller weapons capacity than most previous fighters. This is because all weapons are stored internally (external weapons make a difference in the jet’s radar signature. ) The most important pieces of this new plane are it’s helmet, and advanced radar,and weapons communication systems. The jet is designed to use ground, and /or ship based weapons more than its own. This helps offset the lower weapons capacity, but is designed to make the jet a formidable opponent. It’s designed to maybe not even have to use its own weapons. Air superiority with the F-35 will be done in conjunction with surface to air missiles. It is designed to be almost invisible on radar, but it is capable of detecting other jets before it can be seen, and using ground or ship based missiles, take out the enemy fighter before it even has a chance to engage the F-35. So. In a sense, missiles are the most important part of air security. But they don’t have the versatility of an aircraft, which can carry out sorties, and be a visible deterrent. There’s a reason that America has fighters fly over big sporting events. It projects great power. Each modern fighter usually carries enough firepower to severely damage a large city. 4 or 5 fighters flying in formation is a show of force. If 4 or 5 missiles went over the Super Bowl, it wouldn’t be as impressive. In addition, there are several advanced missile defense systems in operation around the world. Israel’s Iron Dome (I think that’s what it’s called) has all but stopped the threat of missiles fired out of the Gaza Strip. Such systems are quite effective against most missiles. The Chinese have developed a relatively new anti ship missile, which is said to be designed to take out US Aircraft Carriers,despite all the Carrier’s impressive defense systems. They new that they are decades behind in Carrier technology, and training. So they (wisely ) did the next best thing. So. Using missiles isn’t a new idea for defense. However, modern military thinking is that missiles alone, are not ideal. The F-35 is designed to be the best plane, AND use all the best missiles, in the smartest most effective way.