Lets be honest, F35 is certainly more LO then Rafale, specially loaded, as it was designed with “stealth” as a primary requirement (at least on frontal aspect). On the hand, 4.5+ planes where also designed to be open architecture (best example i have in mind, because i know it, being Rafale) and fully networkable. So i wouldnt give such an edge on F35 avionics, software and sensors as other planes are also evolving (eg. GaN antennas for spectra being tested next year). When it reaches FOC, F35 will probably an edge on that point, but as i said above only temporarily as the other types evolve. That leaves us with stealth compromise (stealth vs loadout, range, speed, agility…). Thats why USN compromise looks good to me, F18 being the workhorse while F35 will be used (how many times) for its stealth as “first in”. In many aspects, T50 for ex “look” way less stealthy, but it is imho on purpose, russians didnt want to sacrifice too much of kinetic cpabilities (like F35) or money and sortie rate (like F22).
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