On your philosophical outlook.

If you believe wars are just so 20th century, and are not going to happen any more, then no nations Military needs combat aircraft.

If you believe geopolitical conflicts will unfortunately continue to escalate into wars from time to time, then combat aircraft are essential.

Modern combat is an integrated system of air, sea, ground, and space based weapons platforms and systems.

Regardless whether it's a Desert Storm tank battle, a Southeast Asian Jungle war, or the current Iraq urban anti insurgency door to door fight, multi-role combat aircraft (In this case, fighters) are an essential, and extremely effective force multiplier.

I'm all for no wars at all.
But if and when they are to be fought, this type of aircraft will be a cornerstone capability for the foreseeable future.