U.S. bomber losses were atrocious in WW2 right up until we were able to escort them with long-range fighters like the P-51 and P-47.
Today we don't have sufficient numbers of aircraft to wage an air war of attrition with a peer enemy.
I disagree with that statement and I'll let it go at that.the necessity of air-to-air capabilities is the fevered dream of a madman.