F-35 is a joke on tax payers.
Perhaps see what sukhois are capable of.
You’re greatly underestimating the enemy.
I’m not underestimating anything. Western aircraft have an astounding kill ratio vs. Russian aircraft and I expect that will continue for the foreseeable future. Western pilots get far more flying hours, train in operational level exercises, and many have some type of combat experience. The Russian and Chinese equipment, pilots, and operational capabilities have yet to be tested in any kind of actual combat.
A lot of people look at the SU-27/30/33/35 and think it is some kind of super aircraft that will sweep Western fighters from the sky. But then you find out about its engine problems, maintenance issues, poor air search radars, sensors that don’t work half the time, and many other issues. Until I see a stack of F-22s and F-35s shot down in flames and Sukhois flying triumphantly in the sky over them, I’ll take the F-22/F-35 combo.