Ra'ad type missions are specialty missions----there would not be any other weapons load on the aircraft---the aircraft has a specific goal---just to reach its target and deliver the goods----like some of the deep strike missions of the F 16's in iraq----all alone after a certain point---no missiles no ammo in the gun---just the plane and the bomb.
You start putting too much stuff on a small aircraft---you defeat the purpose of its design----.
Id disagree MK..
FA/18's regularly dropped bombs and then assumed an air combat role in Iraq..
even with two Cruise missiles on stations 3 & 5.. you have four usable stations..
in case you carry a centerline tank..
Even with three centerline tanks.. you can make your way home.
but that is left to the F-16's to punch it out that deep.. and they can with 3 tanks.. carry four LGB''s.. 2 AMRAAMs.. and 2 sidewinders..
Thats more than enough to fight your way back.
As far as the jamming ability is concerned..
If its a noise jammer.. then it has to be able to overpower the other emitter.. however.. that means it has to deal with some really powerful radars...
with AESA in play.. jamming will significantly lose its effectiveness..
and we havent been sold the DRFM on the Jammers meant for the F-16's..
and there is a low likelihood that anything akin to DRFM will come on the thunder pre 2015.