Any and all examples of these still in the Corps are expected to be retired, effective immediately. This only directly effects the reserves, as that's where these all are. The B Phase IIs at the 7th, 12th & 19th Bomb Regs, and the A Phase IIs at the 1st, 3rd, 8th, 13th and 20th Airlift Regs have all lost their planes. This may also lead to role changes as active duty aircraft come in to fill the void.

Airlift and Bomber variants sent to reserves, most likely to replace departed IIs. Strike versions may also go to reserves pending new design testing. This is seen as more far-fetched, but a full retirement has also been speculated. Also, a new rumor has mentioned the base III taking a reduced role and becoming the Lead In Small Trainer.

Most likely would parallel the IIIs, as they usually split roles. But the possibility is also there that they pair up with a newer Phase to retain their DED role, as well as maintaining the larger frame roles. The tradition of IVPAC-SIL to pair Phases for confusion in combat situations seems paramount to where the newer models of Phase end up in the long run.

No major change is expected to happen to the Vs. There should definitely be more testing, mostly in regards to creating the different Marks of Phase not seen since the early days of the VIs. These are easily the most expensive plane in IVPAC-SILs stables, so becoming a true Long Range Strike platform may never be in the cards - more like a 'Silver Bullet' than anything else.

VIs lost the Dogfighter role with the advent of this new Re-Alignment. But most likely have gained the Medium Strike Role, perhaps even the Long Range Strike again pending tests. SIL upper echelons feel the design is too advance-worthy to drop, so room in IVPAC-SIL will be found for it. It is extremely unlikely this variant will be up-sized for any of the roles requiring a larger size.

The design has yet to even be finalized so it's hard to draw any conclusions as to what it is and where it may go. But the final stages of T&E for the VII is something in and of itself, so watching these stages with a keen eye is a must. If the early designs are anything like what the final design ends up being, it would be easy to conclude this is SILs next Long Range Strike aircraft. And Marks may be in its future.