Why dispersed STOVL hide sites are harder but not dead

Is the concept of hidden operating sites for STOVL aircraft dead?

No, but modern maintenance, surface, and communications requirements make austere dispersed operations more difficult and change how they should be organized.

Dispersed STOVL operations remain possible, but modern aircraft demand more maintenance equipment and impose greater burdens on improvised surfaces than Harriers did. The F-35B expands the number of usable airfields, yet that is different from operating a few aircraft from a road with minimal support. The panel also stresses that dispersed forces and drones depend heavily on satellite communications, making communications denial a likely opening priority in future wars.