My bad. The article indicates that this bird is intended for an air defense role primarily. It’s also aimed at the export market (Japan? Australia?) It lacks all aspect stealth so the deep interdiction role is probably not in the cards until enemy air defenses are beat down. Still has an impressive bomb load, however.
Israel is talking about backing out of the F-35 program, due to soaring costs.
They have already expressed interest in this version, they already operate F-15's.
They are so cost-conscious they have experimented, successfully, with a F-15 with only one wing.
Thrift in gov't spending is admirable, but damn.