Do Advanced Fifth-Generation Fighters Make Close-Quarters Dogfights More Likely?

Modern fifth-generation fighter jets (like the F-35) are designed to engage enemy targets beyond visual range – they are intended to get the first look and first shot. While the F-35 does have great dogfighting capabilities (despite the negative headlines), it is not optimized for it. The F-35 is an excellent jet that almost every eligible country has ordered and while it may be expected to operate beyond visual range, it may still have to dogfight on some niche occasions.