F15EX with Epawss is a very good investment then
Look at NIFC–CA of US Navy and see one of the way how they use their F-35.
Basically, the F-35 would be the forward observer penetrate area with A2/AD. Growler used its capabilities to lessen the effectiveness of the air defense. Super Hornet far from the A2/AD environment get their target from F-35 and launch its missile.
Welcome to network centric warfare.
Edit:
This also including against aerial target. USAF ever used a blimp, called JLENS with its radar to cued AIM-120 launched from F-15E. If some say that F-15E or F-15EX or whatever as gun truck, yes it is.
Again, welcome to network centric warfare. Each one of them are not standalone.