Yes, the Super Hornet now takes over as the primary fleet defense aircraft with the retirement of the F-14.

AESA plus advanced AMRAAM make it very capable. Is it slower and shorter ranged than the F-14? Yes.

But, AEGIS now plays a greater part in CBG defense and the SH can defeat any potential threat it may face. Remember, the Tomcat was intended to range far and counter massed AVMF bomber attacks launching nuclear anti-ship missiles the size of F-86s. A threat like this no longer exists.

The F-35 will assume the same role the Hornet A-C of today played as secondary aircraft and a tactical fighter-bomber.