It is not a disadvantage for our adversaries to believe that the F-35 is plagued by problems and underperformed most of its expectations. Some of our most effective and proven appeared to carry some stigma about performance and reliability throughout their life cycles daring enemies to underestimate them. F-111, Tomcat,F4, FA18, A10, too heavy, slow, weak, limited, vulnerable, complicated, etc. Probably most did and scored low on some tests until fixed/finished. All admirably served their missions very well.
But all were far over cost. Expected. (Did not mention F15 and F16 - not much to complain about. Fly by wire did take some adjusting to.
its the certification that its failing and according to the article: if it does not pass, it will not go into full production. You read it and tell me what you think.