Enhanced Tactical Fighter

The Enhanced Tactical Fighter (ETF) was a strike fighter/interdictor program conducted by the United States Air Force (USAF) between 1980 and 1984, to seek replacements for the General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark.

In March 1981, the USAF announced the Enhanced Tactical Fighter program to procure a replacement for the F-111 Aardvark.

[citation needed] The concept envisioned an aircraft capable of launching deep air interdiction missions without requiring additional support by fighter escort or jamming.

The Panavia Tornado was also a candidate, but since the aircraft lacked a credible air superiority fighter capability, coupled with the fact that it is not American-made, it was not seriously considered.

[4] The DRF evaluation team, under the direction of Brigadier General Ronald W. Yates, ran from 1981 through 30 April 1983.