Unfortunately “overwhelming air superiority” does not necessarily translate into effective Close Air Support if the fighters you intend on using cost a zillion dollars each and the powers that be are afraid to risk such pricey commodities in a notoriously hostile environment under the best of condition. And not to forget that the investment in super expensive aircraft are draining funds available for more robust artillery pieces, let alone R&D. Net effect no effective close air support and reduced numbers of artillery tubes — but boy do those F-35's look purty . . .