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Since you mention the F-35, I don’t think it’s a good aircraft for Europe.

The French Rafale and the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen are far better suited for European needs. They are easier to maintain, significantly less expensive to operate, and their supply chains are based in Europe. Both aircraft excel in maneuverability compared to the F-35, especially in close-range combat.

In a dogfight, the F-35 would struggle against either of these jets.

The F-35 is clearly superior in terms of stealth. However, Europe does not really need a stealth-first strike aircraft. Stealth is most useful for launching surprise attacks and penetrating enemy airspace early in a conflict. It would be ideal for a first strike on a country like Venezuela, for example.

Since Europe has no intention of attacking Russia and is focused on defense against potential Russian aggression, it makes more sense to rely on versatile, multi-role fighters like the Rafale and the JAS 39 Gripen. They are better adapted to defensive operations and, quite simply, they fly better.

Thus, Europe should continue to buy a lot of other stuff from America, but not the F-35.

In a dogfight, the F-35 would struggle against either of these jets.

I agree with you on most issues, 99.99% of the time.

But, on the F-35 vs the European jets, I have to disagree.

Why then are so many European countries wanting to get their hands on the F-35, if they have jet-fighters that are adequate enough?

The F-35 is very maneuverable and can hold its own in a dogfight.

But, then, if it has to engage in a dog-fight, it didn't accomplish the job it was meant for.

The F-35 is meant to NOT BE SEEN and to take care of the enemy aircraft before those aircraft even notice or know the F-35 is there. By the time the enemy aircraft notice the F-35, it's too late for them, and they will have been blown out of the sky.

If they can't be seen, you can't fight them. The only time you'll know they were in the vicinity, you're on the way to your grave. The best dog fight, is the one you don't have to fight.

“In a dogfight, the F-35 would struggle against either of these jets.

The F-35 is clearly superior in terms of stealth. However, Europe does not really need a stealth-first strike aircraft.”

You miss the point. Biased?

The F-35 stealth will enable it to destroy attacking fighters before they even “see” the F-35.

“Thus, Europe should continue to buy a lot of other stuff from America, but not the F-35.”

In a war you need more than one type.

It is unreasonable to believe you will only fight a defensive war.