The order number of 2600 is basically intended to replace 1-for-1 all the current F-15E (Strike Eagles), A-10, F-16, F-18, and AV-8, basically all the tactical strike aircraft. Altogether, they represent something like 2500 aircraft in current numbers.
I agree that it's probably unlikely that they will ultimately order all 2600+. Some of the legacy aircraft will stick around and/or someone will propose a low option for a high/low mixture to try and save money. Possibly they move to some sort of manned/drone mixture eventually. Or the services just shrink.
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