According to multiple sources, LRPF is the Army’s number one modernization priority. The reasons for this are simple: today, the U.S. and its closest allies are outnumbered and out-ranged by Russian and Chinese long-range surface-to-surface strike capabilities.
Sure, the range issue and numbers issue are both true. But we faced the exact same issues in the Cold War in Europe.
I think the real reason is impolite to say out loud but rather simple--the Army can't trust the Air Force to provide timely fire support when the Air Force has "better" things to do.
Which is why the Army would love "aircraft-independent close air support" with things like the GLSDB (ground-launched small diameter bomb (SDB)).
The SDB is a bomb. Designed to be dropped from Air Force planes. And now there is a ground-launched version that can be fired from Army assets like HIMARS.
If the Army was confident that the Air Force could spare some time from their busy schedule to provide close air support when it is needed the Army wouldn't look longingly at aircraft-independent close air support.
To be fair to the Air Force, establishing air superiority is a tough job all by itself against peer competitors. But the Air Force insists it must retain control of aircraft for air support to the Army.
And the evidence is clear that the Air Force considers that mission low on the priority list. Sure, they will place their bombs professionally and accurately. But like the cable company, it will be somewhere within a four-hour arrival window. So just busy yourself until they arrive.
