[Pox]

4++ generation Flankers are also making future western aircraft redundant. In July 2008, at the US Air Force’s Hickam airbase in Hawaii, in a simulated dogfight involving an attack by Russia’s Su-35 against a mixed fleet of American F-22 stealth interceptors, F/A-18 Super Hornets and the latest F-35 stealth fighter, the F-35 was “clubbed like baby seals” by the Super Flanker, adding to the beleaguered stealth fighter’s ongoing troubles.

This sentence is particularly entertaining. The F-35 was never designed nor intended to be an "Air Superiority Fighter", so such a "boast" is both incredulous and laughable!

I'm not attempting to disrespect the capabilities of the SU-27 and its subsequent upgrades/derivatives, but this is just absurd and seems to be meant for an audience that has absolutely no clue concerning interceptors and tactics (perhaps meant for simpletons who make purchasing decisions in countries interested in obtaining Russian aircraft).

[sukhoi-30mki]

Sure, the F-35 was meant to be the multirole element to the F-22. However, times have changed and the number of F-22s budgeted for has plummeted. So, you’ll in theory have the F-35 assuming more air superiority rules than it was envisaged for. And a lot of nations-Norway, Australia etc are throwing all their bets on the F-35 without an air superiority option in hand. With US seen to be backing away from international engagement, can these countries count on the USAF for support?

Of course, despite what the naysayers say, the F-35 WON’T be a dog in aerial combat. It’s stealth and sensors will offset its aerodynamic deficiencies, but those still remain a matter of concern.