Can the pylons the external weapons are mounted on be removed for high stealth required sorties? If not I’d expect this adaptation gives what is touted to be a stealth fighter something like the radar signature of an F16 or F18. Could be wrong, the article doesn’t address the issue. Along with VTOL in some versions I’m not sure what advantage the bird has besides stealth over much older platforms with upgraded avionics and weapons control.
Of course they are removable.
Sensor suite, stability, payload, performance, larger more pwoerful engine, improved maintenance, etc. ...