So who is running CAS in an environment where you need stealth? The F-35 is supposed to be a first week of the war, stealth deliverer of J Weps. When the ground phase starts it is supposed to be a bomb truck.
Yes, it is supposed to be a bomb truck, and that is where it’s a spectacular fail. We are basically buying a stealth bomber, with networked fighter thinking, to do the job of a mudfighter.
It will never equal even the original F-18 or 16. Its a dog as a fighter, a second rate stealth plane, and the CAS capability is an afterthought. And we are buying a fleet of them.
It is worse that every plane it replaces, and in every role is takes over. Im waiting for the tanker and COD version.