True, in which case there’ll be F-35 losses.
But what happens when the F-35s are flying with F-22s as escort or providing general area top cover? With E-3s monitoring and controlling the engagement?
The F-117 and B-2 have, IMHO, created a misperception that the role of stealth attack aircraft is to operate alone on high risk deep penetration missions against high value targets. That’s NOT what the F-35 is designed to do. It’s designed to act as a light strike fighter bomber (more A-7 than F/A-18) in a tightly integrated combat environment.
The “traditional” lone wolfish stealth attack missions will be left to B-2s and stealthy UCAVs. Like the two different types that have recently been photographed in flight over the Midwestern and Southeastern US.
Two engines are still better than one. The F35 should have been a replacement for the Harriers we have. Does not make much sense to go partial stealth with such a small payload. The strike version of the F22 can carry more ordinance plus carry more air to air.